A leader of Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Malik Muhammad Ali Buccha has claimed that party chairperson Benazir Bhuto has invited Malik Ghulam Mustafa Khar to London for "important consultations" after talks with the government had stalled.
It is to be mentioned here that the PPP Secretary General Jehangir Badar wile announcing Khar expulsion from PPP recently had stated that Khar was no more a PPP members as he was expelled from the party for his statement against the party leadership. Badar also declared him 'guest star' of the party.
When Khar was contacted by Business Recorder on phone he confirmed that he was leaving for London and denied any invitation from Benazir in that regard, however, he did not rule out possibility of meeting with Benazir.
"Yes I am going to London but without any invitation," he said adding, "I am not a big shot of the party that the chairwoman would invite me. I am going to London for a medical check up. There will be political engagements which might end into a meeting with Benazir."
"Khar has been invited to London to resolve differences among the senior party leadership in Punjab and organise the party for the approaching elections," Buccha said.
He said the party foresaw a tough challenge from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz - rejuvenated after the Sharif brothers' announcement to return to Pakistan on September 10, and the Shujaat-led ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid in Punjab.
Sources in PPP told Business Recorder that Benazir wanted to resolve the differences that Khar had developed with PPP Vice Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, Secretary General Jehangir Badr and Finance Secretary Babar Awan.
"Khar will leave for London in the next few days, while Gilani, Badr and Awan are already there, they said. "Khar and some other stalwarts of the including Aitzaz Ahsan, Raza Rabbani and other were against the PPP-government talks, as they believed the talks would damage party's credibility," they added.