Islamabad/Lahore: PML-Q and government have finalized an agreement over power-sharing formula in federal government.The PML-Q has been reported to be all geared up to scoop up its federal portfolios right after the marriage of son of PML-Q president, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, starting next week.Sources have informed that both the president of PML-Q, Chaudhry Shujaat and party’s Punjab chapter president Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi would be meeting President Asif Ali Zardari and PM, Yusuf Raza Gilani in person to formally announce their decision to join the federal cabinet; after which the government would also formally announce its approval of PML-Q’s Provincial presidents’ induction into federal cabinet.The list would include, Chaudhry Pervez Elahi from Punjab, Ghous Bakhsh Meher from Sindh, Engineer Ameer Muqam from Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, and Jam Yousaf from Balochistan.Sources have informed that Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi would be handed over a senior ministerial portfolio; while another option of appointing him as vice PM is also being contemplated, But since constitution does not cater for this appointment, other options could/would be possibly opted as well.
One such option would be to induct PML-Q MPAs in Provincial portfolios, besides catering for four federal-ministerial and six state- ministerial portfolios.A regular oath taking ceremony is also being contemplated next week, after the meeting of Chaudhry Brethren, with PM and President.Sources have also informed that MQM had already expressed its willingness to join federal cabinet, whence all this finalizes the project of power sharing under political reconciliation, underway since past six months.It has also been reported that Chaudhry Brethren of PML-Q have also succeeded in removing all reservations and concerns of such opposing PML-Q elements like Faisal Saleh Hayat and Sheikh Waqas Akram.Meanwhile, a three-member delegation of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) called on PML-Q leadership in Lahore on Thursday and both PML-Q and MQM agreed to remain in constant touch to tackle national challenges through joint efforts.
MQM delegation comprising Dr Farooq Sattar, Baber Ghouri and Raza Haroon discussed the country’s political and economic situation with the PML-Q leaders and shared different options to tackle the challenges posed to the country as well as nation.The MQM leaders also exchanged views with PML-Q leaders, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussein, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, Faisal Saleh Hayat and Raja Basharat about reports of joining the PPP-led coalition government by PML-Q. The MQM delegation also felicitated Chaudhry brothers over marriage of Ch. Saalik Hussein and also presented a gift of carpet on behalf of Altaf Hussein.Chaudhry Shujaat Hussein told the MQM delegation that his party wants stability of Pakistan and resolution of problems posed to the country and nation.Sources in the PML-Q said that there is clear division in the party ranks over joining the present set up. Those supporting the idea of joining the government are ready to join it irrespective of the fact the party leadership supports or not. There are some other elements who are staunch opponents of the move and have told the party leadership in clear terms to quit the party, if it is decided to join the government.The sources further said that the PML-Q leadership has assured both the camps in the party ranks that decision would be taken with consensus.The sources also claimed that the PML-Q leadership is also considering a proposal of supporting the PPP-led government even without joining it on the pattern of MQM. However, final decision is expected within next few days. – Pakobserver
