COMMENT – The Chaudhrys hold Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani responsible for undoing the initial understanding reached between the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q)and the Pakistan People’s Party for future political cooperation. In a surprising move, the PML-Q leadership decided the other day to stay away from the presidential address to the joint session of parliament to be held today (Tuesday), showing new strains in relations between the two parties. Chances of future cooperation between the two parties dimmed after Moonis Elahi’s arrest by the FIA. The Chaudhrys and their proxies are now publicly accusing Interior Minister Rehman Malik of orchestrating the entire move leading to Moonis’ arrest.
They have avoided leveling any direct reference to the prime minister, but they believe that Malik is not doing it on his own.There is an impression in the Chaudhrys’ camp that it was the prime minister who was pulling the strings when it came to Moonis, just to keep the Sharifs happy and on his side in the emerging political equation. They believe that Malik is only playing his part and supervising the FIA campaign against the younger Chaudhry just to keep his boss happy. Sources in the PML-Q revealed that the Chaudhrys felt let down by Malik, who owed much to them for his rise in politics and otherwise. They also claimed that the PPP is divided in two camps when it comes to dealing with the Chaudhrys with one group taking its cue directly from the prime minister, adding that the Chaudhrys had nothing against President Zardari and they still hold him in great esteem.
“They decided to stage a walkout from the joint session to express their anger and reservations towards the primer minister who they find as a main spoiler in their fast improving relations,” a PML-Q leader said. The Chaudhrys alleged openly that both PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif were instrumental in stoking trouble against Moonis and they had a tacit understanding with the prime minister towards this end. Leading a party delegation, the Chaudhrys recently met President Zardari for the first time in public, raising hopes that two parties were poised to politically cooperate with each other in days to come.
The meeting was made conspicuous by the absence of the prime minister. Nor was he figured anywhere in the arrangements prior to this meeting. It raised many eyebrows in the political circles when the Chaudhrys boycotted the presidential address soon after this event. A TV channel reported on Monday that Shujaat had refused to take a call from Gilani which further strengthens doubts that all is not well between the Chaudhrys and the prime minister.It is interesting to note that Zardari soon after his much-publicised meeting with the Chaudhrys telephoned Nawaz in London and inquired after the health of his wife.
Later, the PPP also called off its protest against the Unification Bloc in the Punjab Assembly for an indefinite period that visibly disturbed the Sharifs. These moves were also meant to ensure a trouble free presidential address, political leaders believe, saying Zardari played his cards well.
