KARACHI, Nov 26: The political scenario of Sindh has become further complicated following the Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s success in securing Pir Pagara’s support for its candidate, Syed Sardar Ahmad for the top slot and not agreeing to GNA’s persuasions in support of its candidate.
The strength of the Sindh Assembly has mellowed down to 163 from total membership of 168 members after its five-members-elect, who were also elected on both National and Provincial assemblies seats, preferred to sit in the National Assembly.
In the House the PML-F has a strength of 13 members. In the given situation when the elected government is being restored after three years of military rule, the natural allies of the PML-Q are destined to be Muttahida Qaumi Movement (41), National Alliance (16), PML-Q 13, and Independents (2). If they unite together they would provide the minimum number of 85 seats, required to form the government.
The situation also took a “U” turn following the announcement of support to the MQM candidate by the Pakistan Muslim League-F president, Pir Pagara.
The new development upsets all previous assumption that it would be a fight between Nisar Ahmad Khuhro of Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians and Dr Arbab Rahim of Grand National Alliance.
To salvage the situation following Pir Pagara’s firm opposition to Dr Arbab Rahim’s candidature, Sardar Farooq Khan Leghari, chief of the Grand National Alliance, flew into the metropolis where he held meeting of his own Millat Party and components of the GNA.
Later, at an Iftar party they gathered at the residence of Dr Arbab Rahim where Mr Leghari, decided to call on the PML-F chief Pir Pagara on Wednesday to find out possibility to field a consensus candidate for smooth transfer of power to the elected representatives in the province.
In another development Mr Leghari also met the MQM leaders at the residence of a common friend and tried to solicit its support for the GNA candidate. But he could not succeed.
Talking to newsmen later he said that the deadlock over the chief minister’s slot persisted but he was hopeful of some consensus candidate.
Responding to queries of newsmen, he said that negotiations are under way with different political elements and parties with the sole objective to form a stable government in the province.
During the meeting, the sources said, Mr Leghari viewed on the political situation and possibility of fielding joint candidate for the offices of the Leader of the House, the speaker and the deputy speaker.
“Sindh specially Karachi, which is the economic engine of the country, underwent spate of violence and experienced worst law and order situation in past and for the overall development and prosperity of the province and the country formation of an established government, which may help streamline the situation, is need of the hour.
“Under the prevailing situation heavy responsibility rests on the Muttahida to help stabilize the economy of the province and restore law and order”, he said after meeting the MQM leaders.
Mr Leghari also declined having any hand in the creation of a forward bloc within the PPP and said it was their own decision. The GNA chief said they were in touch with all those groups in the assembly who matter. Their party was an established party and had equal rights to claim the office. However, the matter could be resolved with consensus. He was optimistic about mustering their support in favour of Dr Arbab Rahim.
Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi, head of the National Alliance has expressed the optimism that the political parties of Sindh, realizing gravity of the situation, would play a constructive role in formation of a government in the province and avoid creating situation which may be detrimental to the future of democracy.
Terming the ongoing process of discussions, between different political parties for the formation of a government in the province, as part of a political process and hoped that the present deadlock like scenario would soon come to an end.
He however, cautioned that if the impasse continued, the prospects of governor rule in Sindh could not be ruled out, which he said would have devastating effect.
The GNA’s candidate Arbab Ghulam Rahim claimed that there was no deadlock in the formation of the government and maintained he would soon spring a surprise.
Mr Leghari earlier in the day held his party meeting and reviewed the situation since Oct 10 elections.
The meeting decided to hold the party conventions at the provincial level soon after Eid and reorganize the party from the grass-root level.
Among others who were present at the meeting include Javed Jabbar, Nadir Akmal Khan Leghari, Khalid Mumtaz, Nadeem Mirza and others.
The party has pointed out that MPA-elect Nadir Akmal Khan Leghari is a co-founder member of the Millat Party who was elected on the ticket of National Alliance from Ghotki PS-7 as the member of the Sindh Assembly.