Count us out, Nawaz tells Gilani

[Lahore_Real_Estate]

LAHORE: A clear-cut ‘no-cooperation’ message by ally and the arch rival Nawaz Sharif has reportedly panicked Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, making him publicly talk of ‘conspiracies’ being hatched against his government.

The PML-N chief has reportedly told the prime minister unequivocally that in future he (PM) should not expect any co-operation from his party.

A source informed Dawn on Tuesday that Nawaz Sharif’s message had panicked the prime minister as it was indicative of some ‘serious move’ to send his government packing.

“Though apparently, Mr Sharif has expressed his annoyance with the prime minister for backing out of his commitment to constitute an independent commission to monitor the relief work and funds collection for the flood-affected people, the premier believes that the PML-N is seriously contemplating to pose a challenge to his government at the behest of the establishment,” he said.

PML-N senior leader MNA Khawaja Asif has also confirmed that the PML-N chief had given a “clear-cut message” to PM Gilani about his (Nawaz’s) party’s future stance. “Our leadership has made it clear to PM Gilani that it will not support him on any issue and also in case a move is initiated to bring about a constitutional change.”

“Rather we will go for an in-house change. It’s a number game in parliament to bring a no-confidence motion against the prime minister. When we will have the required number we will go for it,” Khawaja Asif added. To a question about the possibility of PML-N ‘merger’ with the PML-Q in this regard, he said it was out of question, hastening to add there could be a possibility of “cooperation” between the two leagues, however, over the issue (of bringing no-confidence move against the prime minister). “We are ready to show flexibility for democracy and national interest,” he said.

The PML-Q and PML-Functional have already announced a merger of the factions.

PML-Q senior vice-president Senator Wasim Sajjad said his party would not be part of any unconstitutional move to topple the present set up. “The present government should complete its tenure. We are also not in favour of supporting a no-confidence motion against PM Gilani,” he said.

About unification of PML-N and Q, Senator Sajjad said: “We have personal contacts with the N leaders, however, there are efforts under way for the merger.”

Premier’s son MPA Abdul Qadir Gilani told Dawn the PPP was ready to face any such challenge. “Governments come and go. We accept the challenges with an open heart,” he said.

Junior Gilani said since Mian Nawaz Sharif had clarified that he would not support any unconstitutional change, the PPP was not worried.