LAHORE, May 16: Some important PML-Q leaders want its coalition partners PPP-Patriots and the National Alliance to merge with the ruling party as they think their existence as separate entities is adversely affecting the party’s image among the electorate.

Knowledgeable party sources said here on Friday that the Patriots and the National Alliance leaders had been suggested “in a light way” that their merger with the PML-Q would be in everybody’s interest and they should take a decision as soon as possible.

However, the sources admitted that there was little possibility of the two coalition partners heeding the ‘elder brother’s advice’. It is said that the PML-Q is losing grip on constituencies from where the Patriots and the NA leaders have returned to parliament. And the party of Chaudhry Shujaat Husain apprehends that it will have to pay a very heavy political price at the time of elections in case the two smaller entities did not amalgamate themselves with the PML-Q.

The ruling party supporters regard the Patriots as an offshoot of the party led by Ms Benazir Bhutto and don’t like them to see high positions in the PML-Q-led setup.

The sources said influential PML-Q leaders wanted the party to reach some understanding with the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal, the religious parties’ alliance, with which the ruling party thought it had harmony of thought on many issues.

They said since the MMA was in power in the NWFP and Balochistan, it could have a better working relationship with the PML-Q than the Patriots and the National Alliance.

It is being argued that if the MMA and the PML-Q reach some agreement for cooperation at the centre, the system will work more smoothly and fears about the fate of the assemblies will evaporate.

Asked whether the PML-Q could work simultaneously with the Patriots, the National Alliance and the MMA, the sources said it was rather difficult.

The ruling party hopes that soon the MMA leaders will adopt a rational and pragmatic approach and decide to join hands with the government.

At present, the PML-Q leaders say, there are differences between the JUI and the Jamaat on how long should Gen Musharraf be tolerated as army chief before electing him as president.

The Jamaat thinks that the general should take off his military uniform by Aug 14. However, the JUI is of the view that Gen Musharraf should be given ‘reasonable time’ to step down.

Despite its strong desire to join hands with the MMA, the PML-Q insists that Gen Musharraf will not quit as army chief under pressure from opposition parties.