News
Sunday, May 11, 2008
‘PML-N unlikely to quit cabinet’
By Irfan Ghauri and Muhammad Bilal
ISLAMABAD: The PML-N is unlikely to quit the federal cabinet soon, as party stalwarts are advocating a ‘realistic’ approach to the sacked judges’ restoration. PML-N sources said that several party leaders were proposing a stepwise distancing from the PPP, rather than an abrupt end to the partnership. The leaders claim a swift dismemberment would benefit pro-[President Pervez] Musharraf forces. Pleading anonymity, a PML-N leader said the top leadership believed that the PPP was under pressure from ‘certain’ quarters over the judges’ reinstatement. He said the PML-N had proposed taking over the Law and Interior ministries’ portfolios and had offered the PPP their choice of Punjab governor and a greater share in the Punjab cabinet to alleviate the pressure. However, he said the proposal was shelved when the PPP pledged to restore the judges. Another senior leader said the PML-N ministers were heading ministries related to the economy and were finalising the federal budget of 2008-09 and trade policy. He said quitting these portfolios now would further damage the economy and send the wrong message to international financial institutions and foreign investors. He said the PML-N would continue to support the PPP due to common interests even if it quit the cabinet.
Courtesy Daily Times