By NNN-PTI
Karachi : In a move that could have significant implications for Pakistan’s upcoming general election, the parties of political rivals Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif have agreed on adjustments for certain constituencies in this southern port city.
Sharif’s PML-N and Bhutto’s Pakistan People’s Party agreed on the seat adjustments for two constituencies of the National Assembly and one of the Sindh assembly during Sharif’s visit to the city Sunday.
The two parties had recently formed a committee to discuss seat adjustments but Sharif had said the PML-N would proceed cautiously as such arrangements were not always beneficial.
According to the arrangement, PML-N candidate Saleem Zia has been “retired” from a National Assembly seat in favour of Ikhtiar Baig of the PPP. Zia will now contest polls only for a provincial assembly seat.
In turn, the PPP announced the retirement of its candidate Zulfiqar Qaimkhani from the provincial assembly seat to be contested by Zia. The PPP also pledged to extend “full support” to Zia.
The PML-N candidate for another National Assembly seat in Karachi was retired in favour of PPP leader Nabil Ahmed Gabol.
Observers believe the PPP and the PML-N might agree on adjustments in a handful of seats that are considered strongholds of leaders of the ruling PML-Q, which backs President Pervez Musharraf. This would give the PML-N and PPP candidates a better chance to take on their PML-Q rivals.
Bhutto too has indicated such an understanding is likely, saying the PPP and PML-N might agree on adjustments in 10 to 15 constituencies.
The PPP is also holding talks on seat adjustments with other parties, including the Awami National Party.