At the crossroads

YET another somersault. The PPP is now having second thoughts over its relationship with the PML(N) following the break-up of the coalition and wants rather desperately the party back in its fold. Yet the reason for this sudden longing for the PML(N) appears to be nothing but the presidential race. According to sources, PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, in a telephone conversation with Mian Nawaz Sharif, had pressed him to withdraw Justice (retd) Saeeduzzaman Siddiqui from the race and rejoin the coalition. While making these requests, Mr Zardari made certain promises: all the judges including Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry would be restored and the 17th amendment would be repealed. Although Mian Nawaz was rather cautious in his feedback, saying it was impossible for him to pull his candidate out, his lieutenant Kh Asif categorically ruled out the possibility of the PML(N) rejoining the coalition. At the same time nonetheless, the PPP is also hobnobbing with the PML(Q) to garner support for Mr Zardari.