Gillani emerges as frontrunner for Pak PM

Islamabad, Mar 19: Yousaf Raza Gillani, the vice chairman of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), has emerged as the frontrunner for the office of prime minister, though he has denied that he is in the race. "Though Gillani played cool in the nerve-wracking race for the premiership among four PPP stalwarts, he is in the lead, and likely to be the ultimate winner," a senior PPP member told the Daily Times on Tuesday.

PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari has reportedly made up his mind, but would announce the name after President Pervez Musharraf summons the National Assembly to ascertain who will be the Leader of the House, he said. "If the president summons the session today, Zardari may announce the name of the premiership candidate on the same day," he said. However, the PPP is reportedly receiving indications that Musharraf could delay the session beyond March 23, which might stall Zardari's plans for announcing a prime ministerial candidate.

ANI