News
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Differences visible as Fahim starts individual contacts
* Fazlur Rehman hopes for PPP unity after meeting Fahim
* Fahim not able to meet Asfandyar WaliBy Zulfiqar Ghuman
ISLAMABAD: Differences between Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Zardari and Vice Chairman Makhdoom Amin Fahim became visible on Friday as Fahim began individual contacts with the party’s coalition partners to secure support. The party denies internal differences over the candidate for premier, but media reports say both Zardari and Fahim are vying for the office of prime minister. Fazlur Rehman: Fahim met Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl chief Fazlur Rehman at the Parliament Lodges on Friday. He called it “routine business”. But talking to reporters after the meeting, Fazl said he hoped the PPP would remain united and he would stay away from PPP’s internal issues. Asfandyar Wali: Fahim said he had also planned to meet Awami National Party President Asfandyar Wali but the meeting could not take place because of Wali’s engagements. Wali met PPP’s Raza Rabbani in his parliamentary chamber on Friday, however. Veteran PPP politician Mir Taj Muhammad Jamali told reporters after a meeting with Zardari that Fahim was still the favourite candidate for prime minister. Also on Friday the People’s Youth Organisation held a demonstration outside Zardari House urging the co-chairman to become the prime minister.
Courtesy Daily Times