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Horse-Trading Starts in Pakistan After Indecisive Elections

Qazi Hussain Ahmed, left, leader of Pakistan's largest religious party, Jamaat-e-Islami, waves to his supporters upon arrival in Lahore

By Asif Farooqi, IOL Pakistan correspondent

ISLAMABAD, October 14 (IslamOnline) - The Pakistani capital was buzzing with a feverish political activity on Monday October 14 after a break of three years, where elected leaders of different groups and factions were seen wooing each other for the formation of a political government to see-off three years old military rule, following general elections on October 10.

Center of activity was the residence of Mutahidda Majlis e Amal Pakistan (MMA) leader Qazi Hussain Ahmed who was called upon by leaders of the different political groups, trying to strike a deal with Qazi’s religious alliance which holds the balance of power in a hung parliament with no party having majority to form a government.

Different alliances are being discussed at various places but the most favorite combination appeared to be the one between the largest party Pakistan Muslim League (Q) and MMAP with other groups like the National Alliance, Mutahidda Qaumi Movement and independents joining in.

But well placed government sources suggested that president Pervez Musharraf has indicated to the leaders of the elected groups his wish for a national government.

Musharraf, who is in Istanbul attending an ECO conference, spoke to the leaders of MMAP, PML(Q), PPPP, MQM, NA and others on the phone, primarily to congratulate them over their election victory. But the sources told Islam online that President also conveyed his desire of a national government to these leaders who promised to discuss this issue at their respective party platforms.

MMAP is having its crucial meeting here on the 16th whereas PPPP would meet on 19 of this month to discuss the post electoral situation. PML (Q) is also expected to take crucial decision in a meeting this week.

So far there has been no opposition to the proposal of a national government. Rather it became evident by Wednesday that this term, which stands for the government of all parties, was attracting popularity.

“We are working for grand national reconciliation” said Chairman of Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarian, Amin Faheem after his meeting with MMAP leader Qazi Hussain Ahmed. Faheem said the best thing the politicians could do for the nation was that they should work for national reconciliation.

“National reconciliation is the need of the hour. I would support the idea whole heartedly” said Hamid Nasir Chtha, president of another faction of Pakistan Muslim League.

The official sources believed the national government was the best option to pull the country out of the political uncertainty which has already started casting its shadows over country’s fragile economy. The national stock market fell by 61.97 points since the election results came in of a split mandate.

Meanwhile, secretary general of MMAP, Qazi Hussain Ahmed told newsmen Wednesday the only demand his religious alliance was pushing for was the restoration of constitution in its original form. “Those who are comparing us with Taliban are not doing justice” he said to a question.

Qazi said his alliance was not likely to demand imposition of religious law because the Pakistani constitution already had enough Islamic provisions.

“The only question is the revival of the constitution”. He also said elected parliamentarians would take oath as members of the parliament only under the original constitution and not the one re-written by the military government.

This position of the religious alliance is shared by another major party in the new parliament, the PPPP.

Many analysts believe these two groups along with another anti-government party, PML (N) can create a lot of problem for President Musharraf and he might have to agree to repeal some of the constitutional amendments he brought into the constitution two months back, to avoid a political deadlock.

The amended clauses, dealing with the Presidential powers to dismiss government and dominance of the supra-parliamentary body National Security Council are high on these parties hit list.

 

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