High-level huddle: In Sindh, PPP to form coalition govt again

President Zardari directs party to pursue a reconciliation policy.

KARACHI:

Despite securing a majority in the province, President Asif Ali Zardari decided on Monday that Pakistan Peoples Party will form a coalition government in Sindh.

Sources privy to the development told The Express Tribune the meeting of party leaders at Bilawal House focused primarily on the post-election scenario, particularly the formation of the provincial government.

President Zardari directed party leaders to pursue a reconciliation policy and approach the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and other political forces to form the government, sources said.

They added that the party leadership will soon approach MQM with the matter.

Elaborating upon the future provincial government, a participant of the meeting said: “It would be a small cabinet as compared to that of the outgoing government.”

Four names are being considered for the post of chief minister who would belong to PPP, the participant added.

“Murad Ali Shah is a strong candidate for chief minister, but since he has been disqualified by the court, the party is considering other options,” a senior PPP leader said.

Owais Muzaffar, Hazar Khan Bijarani, and Nisar Ahmed Khuhro are being considered for taking the position as the upcoming chief minister.

Sources said more or less the same portfolio would be given to the MQM, but the final decision is yet to be made.

Inside sources also reported that the education ministry is being given to Manzoor Wasan, the Home Department to Agha Siraj Durrani, works and services would to Ali Nawaz Mahar.

Murad Ali Shah – who has been disqualified – would be appointed as adviser to CM on finance.

The meeting was attended by Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Faryal Talpur, Khursheed Shah, Owais Muzaffar, Agha Siraj Durrani, Taj Haider and Murad Ali Shah.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 14^th, 2013.