KARACHI, Oct 18: In the number game of power politics more contenders for the top slot have surfaced and are making hectic efforts to muster support for their agenda.

While the picture at the centre has become murky owing to strong reservations of the major players, the formation of government in Sindh might be a delayed action, on account of the emergence of new contenders for the top slot.

The problems are also being faced because of the remote control of some of the party chiefs. Apparently the pro-regime players are not only trying to deny the PPP Parliamentarians an opportunity to form a government at the centre but also in the southern Sindh province. Consequen-

tly the focus has shifted to Karachi.

The PPP Parliamentarians which polled more votes than the PML-Q maintain they are ready to collaborate with whosoever has similar stance on constitutional amendments, the LFO and democracy. This leaves hardly any room for an alliance between the PPP and the PML(Q) and its like-minded parties.

In order to prevent any understanding between the PPP and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, former President Farooq Leghari, parliamentary leader of the National Alliance, met Pir Pagara and the MQM coordination committee separately.

During the meeting with the spiritual head of the Hurs, he parried answer to questions. But insiders said that Mr Leghari explained to Pir Pagara his efforts for the formation of government.

But what Pir Pagara said was meaningful: “The decision about the formation of government has already been taken and meetings will make no difference.” He apparently implied that his party would go along with the decision taken by the powers that matter.

Meanwhile, on Friday morning Sindh PPP chief Nisar Khuhro met Pir Pagara and discussed the possible options. According to sources, the PML(F) has put forward former chief minister Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah as a candidate for the top slot. Since the PML(F) has its own candidate, a quick solution seems to be remote.

In the evening, Mr Farooq Legahri also visited Nine Zero where he held similar meetings with the MQM coordination committee members.

All eyes are focused on Nine Zero and analysts maintain that its brinkmanship may cast a negative spell on the future government and assembly. Although a strong section feels that despite a history of animosity, an alliance between the MQM and the PPP is necessary for the stability of Sindh. There are chances that the MQM might eventually go with the pro-regime constellation because of its deep-rooted animosity with the religious parties that were made the punching bag during and after the election campaign.

After the meeting Farooq Leghari and Aftab Shaikh reported convergence of views and agreed to jointly appear before the Election Commission to get their grievance about poll rigging on the various seats addressed.

Both the parties discussed matters pertaining to the formation of government, constitution and other related issues.