Rifts surface within Zardari's PPP

Lahore, Mar. 15 (ANI): With resignation of two key members from the Pakistan cabinet, and the pass up of several unpopular decisions, cracks have begun to appear within the ruling Pakistan People's Party.

Among the controversial decisions are the imposition of governor's rule in Punjab, the appointment of 'blue-eyed' figures to key slots, the cornering of close aides of Benazir Bhutto, the use of force against political workers and the media. This has perturbed a majority of PPP members, The News reports.

The declining popularity of the party can be gauged by the recent resignation of Raza Rabbani and Sherry Rehman.

Raza Rabbani resigned from as the leader of the House in the Senate and then from the cabinet in protest against the nomination of Farooq H Naek as the Senate chairman.

Earlier, Naheed Khan, Dr Safdar Abbasi and Aitzaz Ahsan were also cornered.

The resignation of Information Minister Sherry Rehman is being seen as a great blow to the credibility of the PPP.

Sources said party stalwarts have started to criticise the controversial decisions and are concerned about the PPP's fate in the next polls without a leader like Benazir Bhutto.

A senior party leader stressed that the PPP leadership would have to review several of its decisions otherwise the party would suffer. (ANI)