The appointment of Salman Taseer as new governor of Punjab, whom the PML-N dubbed as "controversial person", has widened the differences between the two coalition partners, PML-N and PPP.
The intensity of the differences between the two arch-foe-turned allies was evident from the fact that the oath taking ceremony of Salman Taseer, which held here on Friday at Governor House, was attended by neither Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Dost Mohammad Khosa nor any of the PML-N provincial ministers.
Analysts say the gulf between the two parties is widening with each passing day. They believe that political temperature of the country will further hot up in days to come owing to the differences between the two parties on various issues. The appointment of Taseer as governor was unexpected for the PML-N, they added.
PML-N leadership is under pressure from party to adopt clear stance regarding its relationship with the PPP, the analysts said. Everyone noticed the participation of PML-Q Punjab Secretary General Chaudhry Zaheeruddin, former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and former Advisor to Prime Minister on Economic Affairs in the oath taking ceremony.
Large number of PPP activists attended the ceremony and shouted full throated slogans in favour of Z.A. Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto and Asif Zardari. The appointment of media baron, entrepreneur and politician as new Punjab Governor has sent a wave of jubilation among the Pakistan People's Party activists on one hand while it is disturbing for those who desired that coalition of PML-N and the PPP continue for the betterment of the country.
Sources in the PPP said Taseer appointment was made with PPP consent. However, the rejecting any rift between Asif Ali Zardari and Nawaz Sharif, saying some people want rift between them, but their desires would not be allowed to materialise.
PML-Q Chaudhry Shujaat Hussein has rejected PML-N objections on appointment of Salman Taseer. He said the Governor represents the federation and Salman Taseer was appointed by the President Musharraf in consultation with the prime minister. PML-N Secretary General for International Affairs Committee Sheikh Kaiser Mahmood has said status quo would prevail so long as Pervez Musharraf is there in presidency.
He said masses have rejected Pervez Musharraf and he should understand it. About the restoration of deposed judges of the superior judiciary, he said that PML-N is committed to the mission of independence of judiciary and restoration of deposed judges.