WikiLeaks: Zardari wanted government of 'national unity'
Cable reveals Zardari felt the 'agencies' might try to split the PPP by backing Amin Fahim.
Days after the 2008 general elections, co-chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party Asif Ali Zardari had stated that he wanted a “government of national unity” including Nawaz Sharif, the Awami National Party (ANP), the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and independent candidates.
A cable, dated February 20, 2008 and sent by former US ambassador Anne Patterson (reference no. 142183), reveals that former President Pervez Musharraf’s advisors had tried to convince Zardari to exclude Sharif from the government, but he had rejected the idea and said that he did not want to make a coalition with “a party that was resoundingly defeated and whose winners are (allegedly) defecting in droves,” hinting at the non-inclusion of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q).
Zardari told Patterson that he feared the “agencies” might back Makhdoom Amin Faheem and try to split the PPP, he said that he was not interested in becoming prime minister himself.
He hinted at the possibility of Javed Hashmi of the PML-N or ANP chief Asfandyar Wali becoming prime minister.
Zardari had stated that he would not accept Sharif’s demands of reinstating the judiciary, but would bury the matter in committee which he thought might satisfy the PML-N chief.
The ambassador in the cable says Zardari was far less emotional than Benazir Bhutto, but seemed to be ruthless and practical.
Cable Referenced: WikiLeaks no. 142183
The full text of the cables can be read on Dawn.com, The HinduandNDTV. WikiLeaks has previously released cables to other media organisations including Guardian and the New York Times.
A cable, dated February 20, 2008 and sent by former US ambassador Anne Patterson (reference no. 142183), reveals that former President Pervez Musharraf’s advisors had tried to convince Zardari to exclude Sharif from the government, but he had rejected the idea and said that he did not want to make a coalition with “a party that was resoundingly defeated and whose winners are (allegedly) defecting in droves,” hinting at the non-inclusion of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q).
Zardari argues that a government without Nawaz would be weak, short-lived, and ultimately damage the PPP. Zardari claims he does not intend to force a confrontation with Musharraf nor allow Nawaz to do so.
Zardari told Patterson that he feared the “agencies” might back Makhdoom Amin Faheem and try to split the PPP, he said that he was not interested in becoming prime minister himself.
Zardari said he was afraid the “”government forces”" (ISI, etc) would try and split the PPP and make Amin Faheem Prime Minister. Zardari noted Faheem has never done a day’s work in his life,”" and that “”he had been in Dubai five times since Benazir’s death for rest and recreation.”" Benazir was fond of him and he was loyal, Zardari recounted, but Faheem was incompetent. Zardari described Faheem as “”not happy”" with the Prime Minister post slipping away from him.
He hinted at the possibility of Javed Hashmi of the PML-N or ANP chief Asfandyar Wali becoming prime minister.
Zardari had stated that he would not accept Sharif’s demands of reinstating the judiciary, but would bury the matter in committee which he thought might satisfy the PML-N chief.
The ambassador in the cable says Zardari was far less emotional than Benazir Bhutto, but seemed to be ruthless and practical.
Cable Referenced: WikiLeaks no. 142183
The full text of the cables can be read on Dawn.com, The HinduandNDTV. WikiLeaks has previously released cables to other media organisations including Guardian and the New York Times.