PML(N) ministers decided to resign enmasse from the Pakistan Federal Government

It is unfortunate to note that within three months from the date of forming the cabinet and restoration of democracy,Pakistan plunged into political uncertainty.

The former Pakistan Prime Minister and leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (N), Mr.Nawaz Sheriff announced that the ministers of his party  are pulling out of the Federal Cabinet, consequent to the differences of opinion with the coalition ruling partner the Pakistan Peoples Party over the reinstatement of  the judges of the Supreme Court of India,including the former Chief Justice, Mr.Iftikar, who were sacked by the President Pervez Musharaf  last year, when he proclaimed emergency in Pakistan.

Mr.Nawaz Sheriff said that his party was constrained to take such an extreme step, since the judges were not reinstated through a resolution of the National Assembly on May,12 th. The Ministers of PML(N) are submitting their resignation to-day (Tues Day) to the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Mr.Sheriff said  that despite of having a talks with the PPP leader Mr.Asif Ali Zardari, at London, a decision  was not arrived at leading to a deadlock.

Mr.Nawaz Sheriff also said that though his ministers withdraw from the cabinet, his party will not withdraw support to the Government but to continue to support it from outside the Government on issue to issue basis.

However, the PPP leaders repudiated the statement  and speculation that the ruling coalition was drifting away.However, as revealed by a leader of PPP, the vacant posts of the ministers created by the resignation of PML(N) ministers will not be filled up except the post of finance  because of the forthcoming budget session, for a direction from the ministry.

Mr.Babbar a leader of the PPP said that talks would be continued to resolve the issue amicably in a spirit of accommodation and mutual trust.

Though PML(N) has taken a decision to resign from the Federal Government, the PPP would continue and form part parcel of the Punjab Government which is headed by the PML(N).

Again according to PPP leader Mr.Babbar that the decision of the PML(N) is only a pause but not a deadlock of the Government.The PPP has no difference of opinion in the restoration of former judges but only in the modalities that the PPP differed with the PML(N).

However, it appears that the PPP is preparing itself for a break-up with PMN(L) and trying to forge an alliance with the PML(Q)

Though Murree joint declaration issued by PPP and PML(N) clearly had the agenda of restoration of  former judges of the Supreme Court, it is a mystery why it is being violated. Perhaps that is politics.