LAHORE, Oct 22: November will be crucial as far as prospects of merger of the PML-N and the PML-Q are concerned, claim sources in both parties, who do not want to be named “at this stage”.
According to the sources, the results of the US election will largely help clarify the role of the PML-N towards war on terror and the PPP government. “Once the party (PML-N) assumes the role of traditional opposition, which it has so far avoided, it would need new allies to strengthen its position. For strengthening its numerical position, the most natural ally would be the PML-Q,” a source said, adding Shujaat Husain had already held talks with Nawaz Sharif at London during Ramazan and both leaders agreed to bury the hatchet.
“The settlement has so far been hindered by two skeptics -- Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi from the PML-Q and a powerful group, led by Chaudhry Nisar Ahmad of the PML-N. Elahi wants assurances regarding “an important” slot in the “merged set-up”, and Nisar group apprehends that Chaudhry from Gujrat will be accommodated at its cost,” the source said.
“Once political temperature goes up and battle lines (between government and opposition) are drawn, these personal problems will be swept aside,” he claimed, adding both Nawaz Sharif and Shujaat Hussain recognised the need for “active cooperation leading to merger” but also agreed to “going slow on that.”
The latest push came from the PPP, which named Pervaiz Elahi in Karsaz blast case, the sources said.
“Though both sides are looking at the PPP move from different angles, they have reached the same conclusion: need for putting up a joint front against the increasingly belligerent government,” a source said.The PML-Q is interpreting the PPP move as the first step towards “witch hunting” and expects more to come.
With the PPP feeling stranded in a host of economic and governance problems, it may go after political opponents more actively to deflect popular attention. The PML-Q knows it will not be able to withstand such an onslaught without popular backing, which could only come from the PML-N.
“The PML-N, on its part, thinks that the PPP is in fact trying to prop up Pervaiz Elahi by politically victimising him – a tested way of bolstering sagging popularity. The PML-N can hardly afford to see Pervaiz Elahi being “politically retrieved.” That is why the Nawaz League would now want to close this chapter by bringing it back to its fold,” the source argued.
“The merger talks have also been slowed down because of absence of Mushahid Husain Syed – the most vocal advocate of merger. He went to meet Aafia Siddiqi in the start of this month and has not returned since.
He is also due in the start of November, renewing his effort,” he claimed.
“Another prospect is Nawaz League demanding new elections. With that aim in mind, Nawaz Sharif may also be attending convention of Jamaat Islami, to which he has been invited,” he said.