PPP, Muttahida wrap up power-sharing talks

Karachi
Talks between the hierarchies of Sindh’s main urban and rural parties, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement and Pakistan People’s Party, have been successful and an announcement regarding yet another coalition setup can be expected anytime after the March 5 Senate elections, well-placed sources told The News on Monday.
The telephonic conversation between PPP chief Asif Ali Zardari and MQM supremo Altaf Hussain over the proposed power-sharing formula was cited as the ‘green signal’ for the planned merger, with a formal written agreement likely to be signed after the Senate polls.
Special committees, according to the source, have already been formed to work out the power-sharing modalities and formulate a mutually acceptable arrangement.
“Both parties still harbour certain reservations but have decided to go for a coalition setup regardless, as they know that Sindh’s major urban and rural parties simply cannot afford a standoff in the present political scenario,” said a source who requested anonymity.
Although political pundits have been predicting an easy ride for them in the Senate elections, it was the Pakistan Muslim League – Functional’s decision to file nomination papers which had upset the PPP leadership.
In the current situation, the MQM remains confident of grabbing all four of the seats it is aiming for, but the PPP stands to lose ground if the ruling Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz decides to back the PML-F candidate.
It was to avert any such possible ups and downs, according to sources, that the PPP came out for the MQM’s support, while the intense political pressure being presently faced by the latter makes a partnership essential to save its own skin.
A senior member of the MQM’s top cadre said that along with the meetings between the parties’ heads, local leaders were also in constant contact for improved confidence building measures.
He claimed that Zardari and Altaf completely trusted each other and were adamant to not let ‘certain hidden hands’ sabotage an alignment between the MQM and PPP. “The opposing political alliance in the Sindh Assembly will likely face defeat. Their hopes of delivering a deathblow to Zardari will remain unfulfilled,” he said.