LAHORE - The controversy between the PPP-led government and the PML-N over the formation of a national commission for the rehabilitation of flood affectees persists, with the latter now taking the statement of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani seriously in which he maintained that the commission could not be formed due to the opposition of provinces. According to the PML-N, there was no disagreement over the issue in the NDMA meeting. However, the PML-N is unaware if provinces had whispered in the prime ministers ears. Gilani is aware that in a meeting with Nawaz Sharif, he himself had agreed for formation of the commission. On the other hand, PML-N central leader Khawaja Saad Rafique maintained that his party chief gave the proposal in the larger interest of the country, which was meant to create and maintain harmony in the prevailing situation arising out of the floods. He further said Nawaz wanted to tackle the catastrophe collectively and with efforts beyond any reservations. The PM himself welcomed the proposal of the PNL-N Quaid, but backed out suddenly because of some unknown reasons afterwards, he added. None of the chief ministers opposed the move in the NDMA meeting, but there was a possibility that this opposition could have been whispered directly into the ear of the respected PM, he said in reply to a question. After the meeting with the Premier Gilani, Nawaz Sharif while informing his senior party leaders said the PM gave a positive response to the suggestion. The PM also consulted Asfandyar Wali and Farooq Sattar while Maulana Fazlur Rehman could not be contacted in this regard, Saad added. According to Saad, it was decided in the meeting that Rana Bhagwandas would be appointed as chairman of the commission while the other appointments would be made by the PM in consultation with the president. The government, the Presidency or ministers might be having their own reservation over the matter, he assumed, adding that Prime Minister Gilani being a responsible person should not say something that was not true.