ISLAMABAD, March 17: Punjab Governor Salman Taseer separately met President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday for what many observers are describing as possible farewell calls.

Spokesman for the President Farhatullah Babar, however, denied that any move to sideline Mr Taseer in the immediate future was being considered.

But despite the denial, there were speculations in the federal capital that President Zardari was seriously considering to remove Mr Taseer to improve the political atmosphere.

According to official sources, the governor has been accused of mishandling the situation in Punjab and also misleading the president by giving an impression that after the imposition of governor’s rule he would secure support of a large number of PML-N members of the provincial assembly to form a PPP-led government.

But within days of imposition of the governor’s rule, it became clear that no PML-N member was willing to defect; instead a PML-Q forward bloc decided to support the N-League.

And many in the government in Islamabad blamed Mr Taseer for creating a situation which forced the federal government, and more so President Zardari, to eat the humble pie and restore Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry as Chief Justice of Pakistan.

Meanwhile, sources in the PPP said that although names of several PPP leaders were being considered to replace Mr Taseer, senior party leader Mushtaq Awan was appeared to be the strongest candidate.

Mr Awan told the media that he would accept the job if a formal offer was made. His statement was a clear sign that the move was under consideration and he had been given some indication.

“I will try to work in the interest of Pakistan and my party and improve relations with all political parties, including N-League,” he said.

Analysts believe that if the PML-N returns to power in Punjab through a process of reconciliation, it will not accept Mr Taseer as governor.

There was no official word about replacement of the governor till late Tuesday night.
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