Amid indications of formation of grand alliance, the Supreme Council of the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal is likely to meet next week, probably on February 4, here to discuss modalities for joining hands with the Alliance for Restoration of Democracy. MMA sources told Business Recorder that Qazi Hussain Ahmed and Maulana Fazlur Rehman would apprise the meeting of their interaction with Nawaz Sharif and other politicians in Saudi Arabia.
These sources have it that the top leadership of the alliance still appeared reluctant to join ARD plus PPP, while Ms Benazir Bhutto-led party was also cautious about taking the religious parties' alliance on board for any future political struggle.
It alleges that the MMA had 'betrayed' the opposition by supporting the government on the Legal Framework Order-based 17th Amendment at a time their struggle had reached its climax.
However, the two important items on the agenda would be on what 'terms and conditions' alliance be forged with the ARD, thrashing out contours of next phase of the MMA's anti-Musharraf protests, sources pointed out.
"Though chances are not very bright, yet even if due to one reason or the other, a grand alliance is not formed, the MMA will like to continue the anti-Musharraf drive on its own," MMA spokesperson Shahid Shamsi told Business Recorder.
JEDDAH MEETING: During their recent meetings in Jeddah with the PML leadership, sources revealed that Sharif brothers impressed on the alliance leaders to review their anti-Musharraf policy and wage a joint struggle with ARD and its allies on restoration of democracy and revival of 1973 Constitution.
Sources added Qazi and Maulana Fazl promised to place the same before the Supreme Council for a consensus thereon. ARD has already formed a two-member committee, namely Makhdoom Amin Fahim and Raja Zafarul Haq for finalisation of modalities for a grand alliance.
'GO-SLOW' POLICY: Some analysts allege that both the PPP and MMA were presently adopting 'go-slow' policy against the rulers, which is seen as a result of an underhand understanding with the powers that be. Though, both have officially denied any such arrangement.
However, senior leaders, not top leadership, from both sides keep on accusing each other of signing a deal with the rulers. MMA alleges Asif Ali Zardari's release and unhindered trip to Dubai is part of a secret deal while the PPP insists MMA was playing the role of a mock opposition (friendly opposition) to save its NWFP government and partial rule in Balochistan.
Analysts argue that prior to agreeing on a common future line of action, the existing environment of mistrust would have to be set aside, which was possible if both sides interact frequently.
Senior cadre of MMA usually stays away from the anti-uniform demonstrations on Fridays, likewise, the PPP leaders also have apparently scaled down their verbal onslaughts on President General Pervez Musharraf.
Meanwhile, MMA President Qazi Hussain Ahmed will lead a Kashmir Solidarity Day rally in Islamabad on February 5 while other leaders will address such programmes in other major cities.