The provincial leadership of PPP-Parliamentarians has hinted at supporting of ANP nominee for the coveted slot of the chief minister in NWFP in larger interest of the political stability and development of the province.
Talking to Business Recorder, NWFP PPP President Rahimdad Khan said that more than 10 newly independent members of the provincial assembly had already contacted us and anxious for joining the party.
He said as the party has emerged the largest parliamentary political party in the country and is set for formation of government at the Centre. Therefore, a large number of independents are showing interest in joining it.
He said although the formation of next government will depend on the parliamentary strength of the political parties and the PPP would be in a better position to form government on its own. However, he did not rule out the formation of coalition government with the nationalist ANP and sacrificing the office of provincial chief minister in larger national and provincial interest.
The PPP leader said that Anwar Saifullah, who had won two provincial assembly seats as independent candidate, may also join the party. We had good relations with Anwar Saifullah and he would likely to support PPP in formation of government in the province. "Today, I have made attempt to talk to Anwar Saifullah, but unluckily his cell was not responding," said Khan, a likely PPP candidate for the office of chief minister in the province.
Rahimdad Khan said the central leadership of the party had started negotiations with political parties seeking their support for restoration of 1973 Constitution, independence of judiciary and media in the country.
"We are ready for holding negotiations with all political parties for formation of future government to clear the mass created by the rulers during last 10 years and stoppage of such mistakes," he maintained. He said that they had accepted its past mistakes and going for promotion of good political culture in the country.
PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and Senator Asfandyar Wali Khan on Thursday held a meeting in federal lodges, Islamabad, and discussed the possible future political setup in the country.
The ANP is eyeing the post of chief minister in the province, as they are the largest parliamentary political party in the NWFP Assembly. The PPP leadership is expressing interest in formation of coalition governments with PML-N and ANP in Islamabad, Punjab and NWFP.