Zardari to nominate PPP CM in Punjab

Islamabad, Feb. 28 (ANI): Pakistan's Presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar has said that PPP parliamentarians from Punjab have unanimously decided to install a PPP Chief Minister in Punjab, and authorized party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari to nominate a candidate for the slot.

The decision came on Friday during a meeting of PPP Punjab MNAs, MPAs, and senators, co-chaired by President Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to discuss the Punjab situation, the Daily Time report.

Sources said, "Qasim Zia, parliamentary leader in the Punjab Assembly, is the frontrunner for the top slot in Punjab. Tanvir Ashraf Qaira and Shah Mehmood Qureshi are also in the running."

President Zardari said the PPP had embarked on a course of reconciliation with sincere intentions and had not wanted confrontation with any political party.

Most participants advocated installing a PPP government in Punjab with support of the PML-Quaid and other parties.

"Some members were critical of Prime Minister Gilani for having a 'soft corner' for the Sharif brothers despite the latter's negative attitude towards the PPP leadership," the sources added.

However, a press release issued by the party stated the meeting reposed complete confidence in Zardari's leadership. A unanimous resolution said the party stood solidly behind Zardari.

The meeting condemned Nawaz's harsh language against Zardari, saying political differences should not be turned into personal animosity and vendetta.

Earlier, PPP Parliamentary Leader in Punjab Raja Riaz said the PPP would soon form its own government in the Punjab. (ANI)