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Gilani gets vague commitment from Shahbaz and Shujaat

Gilani held talks with President of main opposition PML-N Shahbaz Sharif and President of the PML-Q Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and sought their support for his government which has been reduced to minority following MQM’s decision on Sunday to pull out of the coalition in protest against a hike in oil prices and rampant corruption.
The MQM’s exit was earlier preceded by another coalition partner Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) of Maulana Fazlur Rehman after Gilani sacked one of its ministers on the charge of indiscipline. Fazl last week demanded removal or resignation of prime minister before leaving for Saudi Arabia.
The two events reduced parliamentary strength of the PPP-led coalition to 160 against the requisite majority of 172 in the 342-member National Assembly. It means that Gilani can be ousted through a no-confidence motion if the opposition combines to dislodge him.
In practice, however, the opposition is deeply divided and its main component, the PML-N, has refused to be part of any ‘puppet show’ to change the government for the sake of change without a set agenda. It is not even on speaking terms with MQM and PML-Q.
The political crisis has aroused suspicion of a possible military intervention in some form, if not through a direct take-over. The military is deeply engaged in the war on terror and is also concerned about serious economic crunch that is dangerously shrinking government’s ability to fund its operations in tribal areas.
Both Shahbaz and Shujaat remained non-committal during meetings with the prime minister but assured him that they would not become party to the removal of the government through unconstitutional means.
The central executive committees of both parties are meeting today (Tuesday) to deliberate on the evolving political situation and formulate their respective stances.
Gilani tried to trivialize reasons for withdrawal of the MQM and JUI, saying the former left in protest against a speech by the Sindh home minister while the JUI resented dismissal of one of its ministers. “I am still hopeful that no party wants to dismantle the government,” he told reporters.
He said there are only two ways to remove him — vote of no-confidence or if the president asks him to seek vote of confidence. “I do not see the prospect of either of them,” he said.
Speaking in the National Assembly on Monday Leader of the Opposition Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan dispelled the impression that his party would rescue the government if it faces collapse. He said the government has paid no heed to opposition’s warnings on implications of ignoring the problems faced by the people and tackling corruption and bad governance.
The MQM requested for allocation of seats on opposition benches but made it clear that it was not demanding removal ofGilani. Shujaat also said he had nothing against Gilani whom his party has been lending unconditional support.
mafzalkhan@yahoo.com

• Pakistan