Monday, May 12, 2008, Jamadi-ul-Awwal 5, 1429    

Race for new CM in Punjab commences

Akhtar Jamal

Islamabad—Now that talks between PPP and PML-N have reached a dead end the two sides are working on covert and open strategies. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has held an important meeting with veteran Pakistan Muslim League (Q) .leader Manzoor Watto in Lahore to discuss coalition Government post-break up situation. Mr. Watto who is known as the arch rival of Sharif brothers also held telephonic conversation Sunday with a contact person of VVIP. The rapid development was taking place in the back drop of reports of a possible change of leadership of PML-Q to make it more acceptable to PPP leadership.
It is also important to note that Prime Minister Gilani was in Lahore for the last three days and has held series of meetings with Punjab Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Khalid Maqbool who is also regarded as a political adversary by PML-N. Political sources confirmed that PM has received a number of proposals and suggestions to work on if “worst come worst” but he was hopeful that a compromise between PPP and PML-N leadership could still rescue the coalition Government.
According to insiders Mr. Watto has been offered to assume the top political slot in Punjab if he could manage to win the support of majority of a face-changed PML-Q. It is believed that as soon as the PML-N withdraws its support from PPP-led Federal Government People’s Party would also withdraw its support from PML-N-led Government in Punjab.
Senior strategists from both the parties have already been asked to work on alternatives and options within next 24 hour.
According to observers it would be suicidal for both the coalition partners if they decide to part ways and implement rival plans and strategies as visualized for stormy days.
Meanwhile despite an earlier denial there were reports that Hamid Nasir Chatta was also being groomed as PML-Q’s new leader. One political source confirmed that Mr. Chatta has had a dinner arranged to check the depth of water before taking a fresh initiative. Some sources believe that the change of leadership is the hottest issue to be addressed in days and not weeks before the chips are down. Insiders reported that minus Choudhary brothers most of the PML-Q MNAs were ready to compromise with the new emerging situation and join the new coalition offer.
PML-Q’s newly emerged enthusiasts are also hopeful that in a newly developed scenario some independent and PML-N MPAs may seek sharing of powers and opt to leave the party if it loses power in Centre and the province. However, observers warn that it was too early to assume that present set up will be dismantled in days and caution that a last minute compromise and conciliatory move may dash the hopes of new would-be partners-in-waiting.