Political manoeuvring: PML-Q likeminded group divided over alliance

Splintered group decide to conceal any impression of discord within their ranks.

LAHORE:

The PML-Q’s dissident likeminded group split into two factions over the decision to form a political alliance after it failed to reach a consensus in its core committee meeting on Saturday. The splinter group led by Senator Saleem Saifullah insists on joining forces with the PML-N, while the other one led by Khurshid Kasuri prefers an alliance with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), sources privy to the development told The Express Tribune.

Saifullah’s faction was all set to announce an alliance of the likeminded group with the PML-N after the meeting, but the faction led by the former foreign minister vociferously opposed the move, according to sources. However, both groups have decided they will pursue talks with the PML-N and the PTI and if they reach an agreement, they will announce their alliances, concealing any impression of discord within their ranks. In line with this decision, they refused to come on record and broadcast the difference of opinion. The Kasuri faction comprising members of the core committee, Hamid Nasir Chattha, Mian Asif, Lala Nisar, tried to convince Saifullah to ally with the PTI, while Saifullah’s faction comprising Humayun Akhtar, Kashmala Tariq and others made equally unsuccessful attempts to persuade them to join the PML-N, sources said. The breakaway group continued their discussions the whole day to forge a compromise deal.

Saifullah, while talking to the media after the meeting, confirmed that the likeminded group was divided over making a political alliance, but he emphasised that all Muslim League groups would come together to make a powerful alliance against the PPP. The Kasuri faction will hold talks with PTI chief Imran Khan in Lahore, in the coming days to finalise the terms and conditions of their alliance while Saifullah has given the PML-N positive vibes indicating that the decision to join the ruling party in Punjab is almost final.

Kashmala Tariq stated in a press release they would continue final talks with the PML-N, while an important member from Kasuri’s faction told The Express Tribune they would negotiate an alliance with Imran Khan. If indeed, Saifullah’s faction allies itself with the PML-N, it would be more of a morale booster, since PML-Q members cannot cross the floor to join the opposition in parliament or sit on the treasury benches in the Punjab Assembly. PML-Q members are not willing to resign from their seats in the assemblies and contest by-elections, a mandatory condition for switching allegiance.

According to the Kasuri faction, former National Assembly speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain, former speaker Afzal Sahi, Sardar Nasrullah Khan Dareeshak, Gohar Ayub and incumbent parliamentarians like Riaz Fatiana, Sardar Talib Hassan Nakai and Nisar Muhammad Khan have pledged their support.

The PML-N, however, has refused to accommodate Chaudhry Amir Hussain since Akhtar Vireo has been selected from his constituency to contest the next general election on the PML-N’s ticket according to insiders. Saifullah’s faction is assured of support from its leader’s brother MNA Humayuon Saifullah, Humayun Akhtar, Kashmala Tariq, Arbab Ghulam Rahim and Senator Ghaffar Qureshi along with three MNAs and four MPAs from Sindh and out of four senators, three are with him. Saifullah’s faction will hold a final meeting with Senator Ishaq Dar to conclude their negotiations with the PML-N, said sources in the splinter group. They said Saifullah’s faction had lashed out at Imran Khan’s attitude, therefore an alliance with the PTI was unlikely.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 23^rd, 2011.