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PPP-PML[N] stand-off – form panel for consensus on constitutional reforms |
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The two main coalition partners, the Pakistan People’s Party and the Pakistan Muslim League PML [N], have constituted a joint committee to evolve consensus on the draft constitution package proposed by the PPP. The panel was formed at a meeting between PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and PML [N] President Shahbaz Sharif in Islamabad on June 3. While both failed to resolve their fundamental differences on the restoration of deposed judges, they agreed on many other major elements of the package designed to clip the powers of the President, provide stringent punishment to anybody subverting the Constitution and give selective indemnity to some of the legislative and administrative actions of President Musharraf, including the election and the National Reconciliation Ordinance [NRO] that pardoned politicians and bureaucrats accused of corruption and political activists involved in criminal charges.
The PML [N] stuck to its stance that the restoration of judges could not be linked to the Constitutional amendments that would amount to legalizing Musharraf’s unconstitutional use of the judiciary as envisaged in the package. The PPP agreed to the suggestion that the package be introduced in Parliament after the adoption of the budget. Assisted by their aides, both leaders also discussed in detail the proposed long march threatened by lawyers on June 10.
Sharif not informed about Kargil
Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has again said President Musharraf should be tried for treason for his November 3 action, Kargil operations and the Lal Masjid carnage. Talking to reporters at Lahore airport before leaving for London on June 3, Sharif said the interview of Lt. Gen. Gulzar Kayani, a former Corps Commander of Rawalpindi Musharraf buddy, aired on Geo News on June 2 has corroborated his stand that he was not informed about Kargil Operations.
Lt.Gen. [Retd] Jamshed Gulzar Kayani, who served in the ISI and commanded the crucial Rawalpindi-based 10 Corps, and a former aide of President Musharraf, said Nawaz Sharif was kept in the dark initially about the Pakistan Army’s plan to intrude into Kargil but he later gave conditional support to the operations. Sharif told Musharraf that he would “support the operations as long as you succeed”. However, Sharif also told Musharraf that it would be very difficult for him to back the operation “if there were reverses”. Kayani also said the people who planned the Kargil operation did not anticipate a strong response from the Indian military, including the use of air power. He said, despite the gallantry of Pakistani troops, the Army suffered due to the intense response by India.
Shahbaz to be Punjab CM
Nawaz Sharif’s brother, Shahbaz, is all set to become Chief Minister of the politically crucial Punjab province for the second time after he was elected unopposed to its Assembly. All 16 candidates opposing the 57-year-old PML (N) leader in upcoming by-elections from the constituency of Bhakkar have withdrawn. The Election Commission last week allowed Sharif bothers to fight the by-elections after a split decision on the validity of their nomination papers by a two-member election tribunal which referred the matter to Chief Election Commissioner Qazi Muhammad Farooq.
Musharraf aide quits PML(Q)
Meanwhile, former Federal Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, a close aide of President Musharraf has resigned from the PML [Q] and announced to launch his own party – Awami Muslim League [AML]. Rashid, who suffered a crushing defeat in February 18 elections, said since he was unable to play his role in the PML [Q], he had decided to resign and form his own party.
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