By By Tariq Butt
But he is betting on lame or losing horses who are hardly interested. Recently, he has formed a three-member committee of former federal ministers to unify all the League factions except the PML-N.
In separate conversations with this correspondent, two of these purported members, Amir Muqam and Dr Sher Afgan Niazi of the PML-Q, even denied having knowledge of any such committee. The third member, Chaudhry Shahbaz Hussain, confirmed its formation.
Lawyer Chaudhry Fawad told The News the committee formed by Musharraf would unify the Leagues headed by Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Pir Pagara, Hamid Nasir Chattha and Sheikh Rashid. He ruled out any talks with the PML-N for amalgamation.
Ultimately, he said, Musharraf would head the united League, and added the former president was flying back home after three months.
Amir Muqam said although he was still the greatest loyalist of Musharraf, he had no idea about the formation of this committee. “I have already advised Musharraf that for the moment he has no political role in Pakistan and he should wait for an opportune time to jump into the political arena.”
The two-year ban on taking part in active politics on Musharraf that applies to every retiring government servant expires by the end of this month.
Chaudhry Shahbaz said the committee would hold its maiden formal meeting on his return from Saudi Arabia after a week. He said its main purpose was to bring together all the League factions and it was not necessary that Musharraf should head it. He said in view of his high stature, Musharraf would be beneficial for this party.
Dr Niazi also said he had not been contacted for inclusion in any committee. But he said Musharraf was coming back to Pakistan after four months.
He said Musharraf has a great political role to play in Pakistan as the “spent up political forces” — the PML-N and the PPP -N are just firing in the air.
Chaudhry Fawad said it was earlier planned that Musharraf would be in Dubai during the current month where a political gathering would be held to devise his future line of action. Now, such a session is scheduled for December.
Another Musharraf’s aide said before going to London a few days back, Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif met Chaudhry Shujaat and the discussion focused on his consultations with Musharraf. He said former chief of staff to Musharraf Lt-Gen (retd) Hamid Javed also had a meeting with the PML-Q chief in this connection.