Punjab govt to remain under constant threat

LAHORE - Though there is no imminent danger to PML-N government in Punjab if the PPP withdraws its support following Nawaz party’s decision to sit in the opposition in the Centre, things may take an entirely different turn once the PPP also plans a similar strategy in the Punjab.
Analysts believe that PML-N government in Punjab, which is short of 16 members to establish simple majority in the provincial assembly, would remain under constant threat as long as the two parties remain at loggerheads in the Centre.
Following PML-N’s decision to pull out of the coalition, it is likely that PPP would also sit in Opposition in Punjab Assembly and it is here that history of 1988-90 is most likely to be repeated. With the split in coalition, the PPP and PML-N would have to rely on PML-Q, both in the Centre and in Punjab to stay in power. After ouster of its mentor, Pervez Musharraf from power, the PML-Q is also more than willing to embrace any of the two parties to survive in turbulent politics of the country.
It has been learnt that PPP ministers in Punjab cabinet would not quit immediately after PML-N decision to leave the coalition. A decision in this regard would be taken after the presidential election, said a PPP source when asked to comment on the latest political situation in the country.
“PPP central executive committee will meet, most probably after the presidential elections, to decide future line of action in Punjab”, said senior PPP leader Qasim Zia, who is also member of Punjab Assembly, while talking to The Nation late Monday night. Qasim had an important meeting with PPP Co-chairman Asif Zardari on Monday in Islamabad with regard to the upcoming presidential election and party’s future strategy in Punjab.