Musharraf tries to woo embattled nazims

Lahore, Sep. 2 (ANI): Former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf has invited 'Nazims' (elected officials of local governments) to meet him in Abu Dhabi in order to gain his support against government's move to scrap the existing local government system.

Nazims already have support of the PML-Q and the MQM.

"Former president after concluding his visit to Saudi Arabia would stay for some days in the UAE where he would have consultations with nazims as well as PML-Q leaders from both Chaudhrys and Chattha camps," The Nation quoted sources, as saying.

Musharraf's aides say that in the meeting with the representatives of district governments, former president would assure them his full support inside the country and at the international fora.

"The other factor behind this meeting is to win the support of nazims for Musharraf's future intentions to enter into national politics," said the sources.

"The invitations have not only been extended to nazims, but also to many PML-Q leaders both from Chaudhrys and Chattha camps," they added.

PML-Q leader Chaudhary Pervaiz Elahi, , who has the support of the majority of district nazims in Punjab, has asked his men to stay away from Musharraf and his invitation.

"PML-Q is already pleading local governments case wholeheartedly at all the fora, therefore, district nazims having affiliation with PML-Q need not Musharraf's support in their cause," said a PML-Q leader.

The paper quoted Bahawalpur district nazim Tariq Basheer Cheema as saying that he would not attend any such meeting.

"I have good relations with Chaudhry brothers and need not support of the former president to carry on struggle for the existing local government system," he added. (ANI)