ISLAMABAD, Aug 30: Differences in the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA), particularly between its two main components, the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam and Jamaat-i-Islami, appear to be far from resolved, despite ‘all is well’ pronouncements made by leaders of the two parties after a meeting of the Supreme Council of the alliance here on Monday.
Sources told Dawn on Tuesday that efforts had been launched to bring about a change in the NWFP government. The new set-up is likely to be formed by Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (Fazl) with the support of opposition parties, especially the PPP(S) headed by Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao, and may not include the Jamaat-i-Islami.
The sources said the objective of the initiative was to sideline the JI because of its hardline stances on important issues, particularly its opposition to attending meetings of the National Security Council by Leader of Opposition Maulana Fazlur Rehman and NWFP Chief Minister Akram Durrani. Both belong to the JUI-F.
The JUI-F, the sources said, had been told in plain words by ‘concerned quarters’ that the MMA stood no chance of continuing in office in the province if it continued to boycott the NSC, nor would it be able to enforce the controversial Hasba bill without the federal government’s support.
The JUI-F has been assured that the Hasba bill will be accepted with some amendments if it accepts the new arrangement in the NWFP.
Mr Sherpao, the sources said, had played a major role in making the JUI-F camp realize that it could not go along with the JI whose chief Qazi Hussain Ahmed was not acceptable to the establishment because of his inflexible stance against President General Pervez Musharraf.
Ruling Pakistan Muslim League’s vice-president Kabir Ali Wasti told Dawn after a meeting with Mr Sherpao that the JI would soon part ways with the MMA. Mr Wasti said that leaders of both the JUI-F and JI had differences on the issue of launching a movement against the government.
