MQM dashes PML-N’s hopes for grand alliance

The PML-N’s efforts to form a grand alliance of opposition parties fizzled out on Friday as its new-found ally on the opposition benches – the MQM – put its weight behind JUI-F’s Abdul Ghafoor Haideri as the Senate opposition leader, shattering the Nawaz-league’s hopes of winning the backing for Ishaq Dar.
Behind-the-scene contacts between the government emissaries and the MQM appear to have worked to isolate the PML-N in parliament. PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, among other critical issues, had also discussed with MQM leaders the issue of the appointment of Senate opposition leader. And the MQM demonstrated its support to the JUI-F by submitting an application with the Senate Secretariat in support of Haideri.
After the PML-Q joined the coalition government, the PML-N had moved to clinch the slot of leader of the opposition in the Senate, but the former practically managed this slot for the JUI-F, albeit it did not have a clear majority in the Upper House despite being the single largest party. With the MQM now supporting the JUI-F, the PML-N will be clearly outnumbered. Following the nomination of Haideri, the PML-N strongly protested the Senate chairman’s decision and a heated debated continued in the House during the budget session, with the chairman reserving his ruling after listening to legal and constitutional in-house arguments. Before the MQM’s support, it was expected that the ruling would possibly come out in favour of PML-N’s Ishaq Dar. But the MQM move has not only widened the gulf between the already divided opposition parties, but also dashed the PML-N’s hopes of grabbing the slot of the leader of opposition in the Senate.
The Upper House, which is likely to be summoned on July 21, may witness another round of heated arguments between senators of various political parties over the issue of Senate opposition leader’s appointment, with the PML-N arguing for a decision based on situation before the MQM joined the opposition. Senate Chairman Farooq Naik’s reserved ruling on the issue is expected in a few days.