Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which emerged as a major political party in the Senate after Thursday’s elections and has offered the seat of Deputy Chairman Senate Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam- Fazl (JUI-F) Secretary General Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidri, according to media reports today.
The JUI-F leader was reportedly offered the seat by PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari at a meeting of his allies in Islamabad.
Leaders of MQM, ANP, JUI-F, PML-Q, BNP (Awami) and representatives from FATA have been invited for the meeting called by the PPP leader to discuss strategy for fielding consensus candidates for the coveted offices of Senate Chairman and Deputy Chairman.
Sources said JUI-F would respond to offer following party’s consultative meeting in Islamabad.
Sources say the ruling PML-N, that secured 26 seats in Senate, has failed to get adequate support from its allies.
Following Thursday’s Senate elections, both PPP and PML-N stepped up wrangling and lobbying for the top Senate offices as senior party members continued meetings with heads of smaller parties today.
PPP, which managed to get 27 seats, is seen so far successful and has been assured of support from its allies. However the PML-N is not out of the running since it has only one seat less then the PPP.
PML-Q has also called party leadership today in Islamabad to discuss the election of Senate Chairman and Deputy Chairman. Sources say PML-Q has signaled to extend its support to the ruling PML-N.
