Memogate row: Gilani is real winner

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Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has emerged as a political winner as he is equally acceptable to Army Chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and President Asif Ali Zardari.

The Opposition parties are also not harsh on Prime Minister Gilani as they continue to demand ouster of President Zardari.

“The Tuesday meeting which saw Husain Haqqani (former Pakistan ambassador to the US) sacked also showed that everybody was pleased with Prime Minister Gilani while the Army Chief and President Zardari only have working relationship,” a senior government official told this newspaper.

General Kayani and other military leadership forced the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) led government to sack Mr Haqqani for his alleged letter to the US authorities seeking their help to stop a military coup.

President Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani showed ignorance regarding the memo and ultimately on Tuesday, Mr Haqqani was asked to resign after a lengthy grilling by the military leadership.

“The Prime Minister had good relations with Sherry Rehman and wanted to accommodate her since long. He also got her appointed as the new ambassador which is significant,” the official added.

PM Gilani had appointed Ms Rehman as minister for information and broadcasting after assuming power in March 2008. However, Sherry Rehman resigned her post as information minister on March 14, 2009, due to differences of opinion with the President Zardari on imposing restrictions on the
media.

Pakistan diaries

Qureshi invites Imran for rally

Former Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has invited Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan to his all important November 27 rally in Ghotki — a sign he might announce to join Mr Khan’s party. Mr Qureshi, who quit the ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) a few days earlier, has left the people guessing about his political future as he also met Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) chief Nawaz Sharif this week. There are also rumours that Mr Qureshi might launch a new faction of the PPP to contest the next general elections. The former Foreign Minister has promised that he will announce his future line of action in the November 27 rally.

Haqqani on the travel ban list

The Pakistan government has decided to put sacked Pakistan ambassador to the United States Hussain Haqqani’s name on the Exit Control List (ECL), official sources aid. “Hussain Haqqani’s name will be put on the ECL to make sure he stays in the country and faces the inquiry”, a senior government official said. On Tuesday, Army chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and other military leadership forced the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) led government to sack Mr Haqqani for his alleged letter to the US authorities seeking their help to avert a military coup.