Jamali resigns: Shujaat interim Prime Minister - Shaukat may take over in 45 days

Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali on Saturday finally bowed out, nominating Chaudhry Shujaat Husain as his successor--for the time being. Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz is poised to quit as senator and run for one of the two vacant seats of the National Assembly from Karachi to assume office as prime minister. There is a possibility to win the seat of Sikandar Iqbal from Bhakkar, who is likely to be made Punjab governor.
The month-long uncertainty culminated in Jamali's exit, as he announced his resignation in the ruling parliamentary parties' meeting at the PML Central Secretariat at Margallah Road here.
In one go, not only the Leader of the House was sent packing but also the entire Cabinet, including the advisers.
In his brief statement, the quitting prime minister said that after closely watching the developments, he came to the conclusion that "the party and the country is to be saved. I am resigning so that a better person could run the country."
He admitted he could not come up to the party's expectations and even some friends levelled charges against him.
Jamali, clad in white shalwar kamees and black waistcoat, gave no specific reasons for the dramatic decision, as less than 24 hours earlier he had said, "I am going nowhere; no one has asked me to resign".
The Chaudhry from Gujrat is expected to take the vote of confidence on Monday, or Tuesday, from the National Assembly. Jamali requested the coalition partners to support his nominee for which he claimed he was given free hand.
Under Article-94 of the Constitution, Jamali will continue until his nominee takes the vote of confidence, most probably on Tuesday, as the budget session would be prorogued on Monday, and the National Assembly may be summoned next day.
It is learnt that PML Secretary General Mushahid Husain is most likely to be made Chaudhry Shujaat's special assistant.
However, some legislators were overheard complaining that they were not taken into confidence on PML chief's nomination. Even some members expressed regrets over Jamali's unceremonious exit.
It is significant to note that Jamali has been shown the door less than a week before President Pervez Musharraf embarks on a foreign visit.
The Baloch 'Sardar' thanked President Musharraf, Chaudhry Shujaat, his cousin Pervaiz Elahi, allied parties and his cabinet for their support to him during his 20-month tenure.
The outgoing prime minister also praised the opposition for their word of support to him. Combined opposition had voiced their backing to Jamali in case he was removed.
"How far I have been successful in accommodating is before you and you can form a better opinion," he told the audience comprising ministers, advisors, allied parties' and PML MPs and workers.
He said his conscience was clear that neither he nor his cabinet faced any allegation.
Jamali said he tried to shun the protocol to evolve consensus on issues, taking along the opposition "who also gave me their confidence".
Reports have it that things could shape up for mid-term elections within six months or so.
He conceded that being prime minister he might not have done enough for the party, but would continue to serve as an ordinary political worker.
Party members applauded him when he said that he was resigning, but it required a heart. "I will be happy if, with my exit, the system and the party gain strength".
His statement that he was holding consultations with Shujaat and other people day in and day out, was reflective of the fact that he knew that, sooner or later, he had to quit.