KARACHI, Dec 12: The PML-Q leader, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, on Thursday claimed that he had succeeded in persuading Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi to support Ali Mohammad Mahar for the Sindh top slot.

Speaking to newsmen at a dinner here, the Kings party’s trouble shooter said there were no differences with Jatoi and added that “we are waiting for the name of their nominee for the deputy speaker’s post. We have settled all the matters.”

It may be pointed out that late on Wednesday night, after Ali Mohammad Mahar’s nomination for the top slot, Jatoi, who was not happy with the decision, held a long meeting with PPP’s Makhdoom Amin Fahim and both sides reportedly agreed on a power-sharing formula.

But as strings were pulled, Mr Jatoi graciously accepted the decision and agreed to back the PML-Q’s nominee.

After this development, the GNA in Sindh virtually collapsed and the National Alliance decided to retain its separate identity.

Shujaat Hussain, speaking to the newsmen, has expressed the confidence that the PML-Q, along with the Muttehada Qaumi Movement, National Alliance and PML-F would form ‘a stable’ government in Sindh.

He thanked all the coalition partners for reaching a consensus on the candidature of Ali Mohammed Mahar for the office of Sindh chief minister.

Chaudhry Shujaat also met Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal Chairman Maulana Shah Ahmad Noorani to solicit his support to form a government in Sindh.

He said that during the meeting, he had asked for his support and tried to convince him to join the next provincial government. If that was not possible the MMA could support the government while not being part of the treasury benches, he added.

Maulana Shah Ahmed Noorani, during the meeting, told the PML-Q leader that the MMA would only support the federal government if it accepted alliance’s demands regarding the LFO, National Security Council and a president without uniform.

He said the MMA wished democratic process to flourish in the country, but the Maulana made it clear that it would never compromise on principles.

The Maulana said if government accepted their demands in the Centre and 27-points agenda in Sindh, the alliance was ready to extend support.