Coalition at crossroads

THE PPP, having decided to go ahead with a move to expand the cabinet, made another attempt to persuade the PML(N) to rejoin the federal government as Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani called PML(N) Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif Sunday morning to discuss the issue. Mr Gilani who seemed confident that the PML(N) would accept the ministerial berths in the coming few days also had telephone talks with ANP Chief Asfandyar Wali and JUI(F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman. Mian Nawaz reportedly stuck to his stance that the PML(N) would rejoin the government only after the reinstatement of deposed judges but reiterated his support to the PPP in the Centre. Meanwhile, he nominated Ch Nisar Ali Khan to hold negotiations with the PPP on the appointment of parliamentary secretaries and chairmen of various standing committees.