BAHAWALPUR, Sept 23: MNA Farooq Azam Malik is in a fix whether to vote for or against President General Pervaz Musharraf in the forthcoming presidential elections and has said he would decide his future plans in the light of the Supreme Court’s verdict.

The Supreme Court is currently hearing several petitions challenging the holding of two offices by the president and a decision is likely by the middle of this week.

Talking to Dawn on telephone, MNA Malik said the country was gripped with chaos and he was unable to take a final decision in this connection.

Mr Malik confirmed his contacts with Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Benazir Bhutto, through Nawab Salahuddin Abbasi, who had recently met BB in London.

Dawn has learnt that Mr Abbasi along with his several associates was keen to join the PPP but the uncertain outcome of the party’s ongoing deal with General Musharraf was delaying his decision.

Abbasi, who besides others had been lobbying for PPP tickets for his brother Falahuddin Abbasi form Ahmedpur East National Assembly constituency and Farooq Azam Malik from Bahawlapur constituency was also in a fix and was anxiously waiting for the apex court’ verdict.

CONDEMNATION: PML-N district president and former MNA Chaudhry Mumtaz Ahmed Jajja, MPA Parveen Masood Bhatti and other local leaders have condemned the government’s ongoing crackdown on the All Pakistan Democratic Movement leadership.