LAHORE, Oct 24: Pressure on Pakistan People’s Party central Punjab new president Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo has grown as President Asif Ali Zardari has directed him to ‘make friends’ with the Chaudhrys of Gujrat and also ensure none of his (Wattoo’s) actions affect the coalition.

Mr Wattoo received president’s instruction on Wednesday following a complaint by PML-Q chief Senator Chaudhry Shujaat that there were reports that the new PPP office-bearer got involved in ‘anti-Q activities’ soon after assuming the party office.

Lot of criticism was heaped on the PML-Q on Tuesday in the first meeting of Mr Wattoo with his Punjab party men. Mr Wattoo had assured them of ‘taking good care of’ Q leadership. They were of the view that the Q was taking ‘undue’ advantage of the alliance.

“Yes Chaudhry Shujaat Husain has brought the PML-Q’s concerns about Wattoo to President Zardari’s notice, who assured him that it would be ensured that none of his (Wattoo’s) actions harm the coalition,” PML-Q central information secretary Kamil Ali Agha told Dawn.

When asked what forced Chaudhry Shujaat to take up the matter with Mr Zardari, Agha said there were ‘reports’ about Wattoo that might have led to misunderstanding between the coalition partners.

Earlier, the Chaudhrys had forced Federal Minister for Water and Power Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar to ‘eat his words’ which he had uttered against Q leadership, on the instruction of Mr Zardari.

Wattoo, in his first public speech in Lahore after assuming his new charge, had said the party would deal with the Q on an ‘equal footing.’ In the meeting with the PPP Punjab executives, Mr Wattoo again made it clear he would not let the Q take advantage of the alliance.

“We want no anti-Q words or actions from Wattoo and will not tolerate any covert strategy under his leadership to corner the party, especially in rural areas,” another PML-Q leader told Dawn.

He also suspected that the PPP co-chairman might have given ‘special instruction’ to Wattoo to ‘contain’ the Q. “We are closely watching Wattoo’s moves and will not let him go against the Q’s interests,” he said.

Sources said the PML-Q was also trying to ‘limit’ the role of Wattoo in talks with the PPP over seat adjustment in Punjab. At present, Wattoo is not part of the committee formed by President Zardari’s sister Faryal Talpur for the purpose. However, being the new head of the PPP in Punjab, Wattoo cannot be excluded from it.

The PPP circles are of the view that it would not be easier for Wattoo to go against the Q’s interest in the current political scenario.

“He can be a smart politician but not that smart,” commented a PPP Punjab leader.