Heart-burning on the decline

ISLAMABAD-The feeling of heart burning between Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) and Pakistan People's Party caused due to the imposition of the Governor's Rule in Punjab following the disqualification of Sharif brothers by the apex court is on the decline. Moreover, the forthcoming luncheon meeting of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani with PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif and Mian Shahbaz Sharif at Raiwind Sunday will at least further reduce this bitterness if not altogether remove it. The sources disclosed to TheNation Friday that both sides were almost ready to go back to the pre-disqualification position in the province and Mian Nawaz Sharif would likely ask PPP to join the Punjab government as their junior coalition partners with the 40 per cent share in the Punjab cabinet. The sources further disclosed that Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani earler had a detailed meeting with President Zardari on Friday in which various aspects regarding Punjab government came under discussion and it was decided that the Governor's Rule would be lifted soon. The sources said that the reason behind the postponement of meeting between PML-Q chief Ch Shujaat Hussain and Mian Nawaz Sharif, scheduled for Saturday night was that the PML-N Quaid first wanted to have final meeting with Prime Minister Gilani with regard to going back to the Feb 24 position wherein PPP was having 40 per cent share in the Punjab government. The sources close to PPP said that both President Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani had no doubt in their minds that Pakistan Muslim League-N could not be sidelined in the Punjab and it would be better for both PPP and PML-N to go back to previous arrangement of 40-60 share to avoid confrontation. At the same time PPP does not want to see alliance between the 'Q' and 'N', which could seal their chance to form government in the province. PPP feels that 'N'-'Q' alliance could also turn into a formidable force at the federal level, posing a constant threat to the PPP and allied parties' coalition government, requiring just 26 MNAs to topple the coalition government. The sources aware of the developments taking place with regard to Punjab said that the hurriedly arranged visit of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani to Raiwind is primarily targeted to prevent any unification of the two Muslim Leagues. However, it would only be possible when PPP got back into a coalition government in the province. The sources in PML-N disclosed that Mian Nawaz Sharif was also inclined to get back to Feb 24 position as he wanted implementation of Charter of Democracy (CoD) in letter and spirit and it would only be possible when PML-N settles friendly terms with PPP government at federal level.

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