Chaudhrys making sure opposition stays divided

In a bid to pre-empt the formation of a possible grand opposition alliance, PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and his cousin, senior leader and Minister for Industries and Defence Production Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, called on JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman on Friday and asked him to not be part of any such campaign.
Multiple sources told Pakistan Today that the two sides discussed the political situation in the country, particularly after the MQM pulling out of the federal government. They said the meeting was aimed at stopping the JUI-F from being part of any grand opposition alliance. “The PML-Q doesn’t want to see the PML-N leading an anti-government campaign at a time when the former is part of the government,” the sources said.
Major hurdle: After the meeting with PML-Q leaders, Fazl told reporters that the PML-N was the biggest obstacle in the formation of a grand opposition alliance. Fazl asked the PML-N leadership to change its attitude and play the role of a responsible opposition. Fazl said Abdul Ghafoor Haideri would remain the leader of the opposition in the Senate, adding that the MQM had pledged support to the JUI-F in the Senate. Earlier, the PML-Q had helped the JUI-F in getting Haideri elected the opposition leader in the Senate.
He was hopeful that Haideri would be re-elected as the leader of the opposition in the Upper House. Fazl said he was in contact with major opposition parties for an alliance but there were little chances of success. He said the JUI-F was also in contact with other religious parties for the revival of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal. Shujaat took the opportunity to criticise the PML-N leadership, saying the so-called champions of democracy should respect the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
He said Nawaz Sharif wished to shift the capital of Kashmir from Muzaffarabad to Raiwind but the Kashmiris had failed his plan with the power of their vote. Elahi said the conduct of the PML-N had struck an irreparable blow to the cause of Kashmir which has proved to be the main reason for their rejection in the recent elections of Kashmir.
JUI-F DUBIOUS: Reacting to Fazl’s criticism of the PML-N, party leaders said the JUI-F’s dubious politics was the major hurdle in formation of a grand alliance. PML-N spokesman Siddiqul Farooq said his party had been struggling for the supremacy of law and upheld democratic practices, while the JUI-F had always been dubious.
“The PML-N has been sacrificing and endeavouring for the constitutional rule and political fair play for the last 12 years and I request Fazl to point out even a single instance of foul play,” Farooq said, advising Fazl to shun politics of intrigues. JI leader Professor Khurshid said Fazl must understand that a grand alliance could not be made unless common objectives were defined.
“One has to define a common objective to form a grand alliance and unless it is done, the alliance is not possible. Fazl must end his dubious politics if he is sincerely seeking making a grand alliance,” he said. “The JUI-F and PPP alliance stood exposed during the appointment of Senate opposition leader, which served as the biggest obstacle and caused mistrust between the some opposition parties and the JUI-F,” Khurshid said.
Senator Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo said all opposition parties, except the JUI-F, were united, but the appointment of Haideri had divided the opposition. “The JUI-F must dispel the impression of having a clear or covert understanding with President Asif Zardari,” Bizenjo said. Asked if the MQM’s joining the opposition would help unite the parties, he said MQM was unpredictable and he would not comment on the matter.
PML-Q dissident Senator Raza Haroon said it was a mere political statement by Fazl aimed at pressurising the PML-N. He, however, conceded that after Haideri’s appointment as the Senate opposition leader, trust deficit existed among opposition parties. MQM Senator Tahir Mushahidi refused to comment, saying his party was in contact with all opposition parties and only the MQM Rabita Committee could comments on Fazl’s statement.