Gilani one of several players on political scene

ISLAMABAD  - He may be the Prime Minister of Pakistan, but Yousuf Raza Gilani occupies just one of a number of power centres on the troubled front line of the US-led ‘war on terror’.

Gilani arrived in Washington on Sunday for talks with President George W Bush expected to focus on concerns over Islamabad’s efforts against militants based near the Afghan border.

It is the 58-year-old’s first trip to the United States since his government took office four months ago, rising to power on his reputation as a staunch loyalist of slain former premier Benazir Bhutto.

But his effective appointment after elections in February by Bhutto’s widower, Asif Ali Zardari, and the backstage presence of President Pervez Musharraf have raised questions about how much control he wields.

Gilani also faces economic challenges from rising food and fuel prices that have dented the government’s image with the public and a struggle to keep ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s party in the coalition.