Musharraf behind move to dislodge Chaudhrys

LAHORE-Former President Pervez Musharraf is behind the recent move to dislodge Ch. Shujaat Hussain and pre-empt Pervaiz Elahi from assuming this office in future, PML (Q) sources privy to intra-party developments revealed.

The man Musharraf supporting to replace Ch Shujaat as party President is none other than Hamid Nasir Chattha who these days has been keeping a close contact with the former President.

The senior Leaguers from former ruling party are pretty sure now that Musharraf is quite keen to enter politics sooner than later.

It is interesting to note that according to the agreement or understanding reached between Musharraf and PPP leaders with some foreign powers as its guarantors, Musharraf will not take part in politics after stepping down from the office of President.

The sources revealed that Musharraf now contended that he was not bound to follow any agreement as the PPP too had violated the initial understanding and had not kept its side of the promise. It is this agreement, which stops the present govt to go after Musharraf despite popular pressure.

The sources further disclosed that Musharraf is also considering appointing his media spokesman very soon.

PML leader Azeem Ch. who was media handler of Mian Azhar when he became President of PML (Q) has been tipped as his spokesman.

Paving his way to grab the top party office, Musharraf is planning to first sideline Chaudhrys and bring Hamid Nasir Chattha to the the office of President. He will then replace Chattha at an opportune time to head the PML (Q) once known as the King's party.

More knowledgeable PML (Q) leaders disclosed that Musharraf had been backing both forward bloc and group headed by Hamid Nasir Chattha to upstage the Chaudhrys.

The Chaudhrys at the moment feel let down by Musharraf whom they lent great political support all along his rule.

A group of PML (Q) leaders are in touch with Musharraf ever since he left politics. This group includes the likes of Hamid Nasir Chattha, Sumera Malik, Azeem Ch. and Muhammad Ali Durrani.These leaders and others are trying to bring Musharraf into politics.

'These people tell Musharraf that he is regaining the trust of the people as the present govt failed to deliver', a senior PML leader commented. However, the feedback the party leaders got from the districts is to keep distance from Musharraf as much as possible.

The sources disclosed that Musharraf would visit US in coming days to deliver some lectures. He is expected to start politics on his return, sources claimed.

Some senior PML (Q) leaders including Hamid Nasir Chattha, Khursheed Kasuri, and Humanyun Akhtar are pressing the Chaudhrys to step down. A forward bloc in PML (Q) too has been making hue and cry against the Chaudhrys.