August 31, 2008	Sunday	Sha'aban 28, 1429

QUETTA, Aug 30: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani is arriving here on Sunday to meet coalition partners and independents who have reportedly expressed reservations over passing a resolution in the Balochistan Assembly in support of Asif Ali Zardari’s candidature.

Sources said that some independent legislators and PML-Q members of the provincial assembly had decided on Saturday to present demands regarding Balochistan’s problems before making a decision over the presidential election.

The sources said at one stage it seemed that the assembly session could not be held as scheduled.

Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani and Speaker Aslam Bhootani held a meeting with the angry MPAs to appease them. The members informed the chief minister about their demands and after prolonged discussions it was decided that the assembly session would he held according to schedule, but Sadiq Umrani would not table the resolution and it would be deferred till the next session of the assembly.

The resolution was put off for Monday.

Later, the chief minister told members of his cabinet: “We want to give a joint message from Balochistan on supporting the resolution”.

Official sources said: “Mr Gilani will meet parliamentary leaders of all coalition parties and independent members of the Balochistan Assembly to muster support for Mr Zardari.”

Coalition partners, including independents, Balochistan National Party (Awami) and some members of the PML-Q, will put their demands before the prime minister.

“The PPP needs our votes in the presidential election and after that we will be of no use,” a member of BNP-A told Dawn. He said his party would ask the prime minister to provide special funds for the development in their constituencies.

An independent member, who preferred not to be named, told Dawn that Mr Gilani would be requested to announce an end to the military operation in Balochistan and allocate funds for their constituencies.

An independent member, who is also enjoying the status of provincial minister, said, “Why a PPP member was chosen for moving the resolution. Some other member should move it”.