Speculations for change were rife as names of some other Pakistan People's Party (PPP) stalwarts were being floated for the post of Leader of the House. According to sources, the names of Health Minister Shahabuddin, Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi were talk of the town, especially in close party circles.
But it seemed that the name of Shahabuddin was strongly aired to fill the Premier's slot. Sources said that if a vote of no-confidence was moved against PM Yousuf Raza Gillani, the party could nominate one of the above-mentioned leaders as new candidate for Premier's slot. This move might cool the tempers of PPP allies, like Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), they added.
All Opposition parties of which now coalition allies including the MQM and JUI-F are part, raised the issue of corruption, price hike and absence of good governance several times in the Parliament, but the government did not take any concrete step to overcome these problems.
The JUI-F has already demanded of the ruling junta to remove the Prime Minister because he had failed in controlling rampant corruption in the country. JUI-F leader Atta-ur-Rehman told Business Recorder, "My party can take the decision of rejoining the government, if the Prime Minister resigns." The major Opposition parties, PML-N, JUI-F and MQM, are building up pressure to such the extent which could force the Prime Minister to leave the slot, clearing the way for others to jump in.