'PML-Q not to support slashing of President's powers'

24 May, 2008

Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leadership has shown some inclination on the proposed constitutional amendment package of the PPP-led coalition government but decided not to support the amendments aimed at curtailing the powers of President vis-à-vis appointments of services chiefs.
The PML-Q leaders had already given indication to support any move aimed at restoration of deposed judges provided the sitting judges are not disturbed, sources close to the PML-Q leadership told Business Recorder.
The PPP has almost finalised the constitutional amendment package and decided to start consultation over it in a bid to develop consensus on the proposed package. Political analysts told this scribe that plan 'B' is ready under which the PML-Q may join hands with the PPP after separation between the PPP and the PML-N.
They say the coming days are very important and some significant political developments appear to be on cards. The PPP is facing most difficult situation as on one side it intends to continue alliance with the PML-N but on the other hand some forces are active to create rift between them for their vested interests, they believe.
The Federal Capital has become centre of all the political activities where all the stakeholders of political game are playing their cards. The PML-N leadership is playing cool and has adopted a wait-and-see policy. The PML-N spokesman, Siddiq-ul-Farooq on Thursday said the November 3, 2007 unconstitutional steps should not be given indemnity by the parliament.
He said the political leadership must set a precedent to deter any usurpation of power in future. He declined to comment on a proposed constitutional package, saying the contents were not yet known. He denied remarks attributed to the party chief Nawaz Sharif in some media reports that there was a rift in PPP over the issue of indemnity. "We have taken strong exception to it. Nawaz Sharif has never said this," he added.

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