PPP co chairman Asif Ali Zardari has convened a meeting of the party high-ups in Islamabad on Monday, a day ahead of make-or-break meeting with Nawaz Sharif on reinstatement of judges and impeachment of President Pervez Musharraf.
Sources told Business Recorder that the meeting has been convened to formulate strategy for the meeting with Nawaz as PML (N) will be holding its CEC and parliamentary party meeting almost at the same time in Lahore. Most of PML (N) leaders are convinced that PPP is least interested in restoration of judges, but there is a possibility that the party may agree on Musharraf's impeachment. PML (N) stalwarts are of the view that PPP must come forward with clear words on the two issues.
Almost all major coalition partners, except the Fazlur Rahman-led Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI-F), are supporting Musharraf impeachment and reinstatement of judges. The Awami National Party (ANP), another coalition partner, ruling in NWFP, is also supporting Musharraf impeachment as well as judges' restoration. Despite this fact, the PPP de facto leader Zardari is not committing to deliver on the two issues.
A PML (N) leader said that reluctance of PPP, especially of Zardari, has been surprising for the 'allies' as there seems to be no formidable hurdle in doing so. Some party leaders are, however, of the firm opinion that separating ways from the PPP would benefit Musharraf and, therefore, the PML (N), without rejoining the cabinet, must support PPP to keep its government intact.
Independent analysts opine that PML (N) must come clear whether it is part of the government or the opposition. During the previous government, the religious alliance of MMA kept liaison with President Musharraf and PML (Q) through Fazlur Rahman despite the fact that it appeared to be in the opposition in the parliament. This factor played a decisive role in MMA dismal performance in February 18 vote. The PML (N) could also face the same situation if it behaved like what was done by MMA. According to the sources, Zardari has convened the meeting to evaluate the situation to face any eventuality. The meeting will be attended by federal ministers, and some other central leaders of the party. A PPP leader said that he did not know whether or not Amin Fahim, who is chairman of PPP-Parliamentarians, would attend the meeting.
The lawyers' community has already warned PML (N) to take clear position on the judges' issue. "We are expecting nothing from PPP on restoration of pre-November 3 judiciary," Athar Minallah, spokesman for sacked chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, told Business Recorder.