By IANS
Islamabad : Talks between aides of President Pervez Musharraf and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chief Benazir Bhutto on the composition of a caretaker government have been put on hold till the Supreme Court rules on Musharraf’s eligibility to contest the presidential election.
Quoting sources, Dawn reported Tuesday that the government team led by Tariq Aziz had informed the PPP that a decision on the interim set-up would be taken after the court verdict that is expected by the end of the week.
“The government, according to insiders, has made it clear that a verdict against Gen. Musharraf could change the entire political scenario, especially the understanding reached with the PPP,” the newspaper said.
The sources said the two sides had discussed several names, including Sahibzada Yaqoob Ali Khan, Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi, Ishrat Husain, and a former army chief, Gen. (retd) Abdul Wahid Kakar, to head the interim government.
The PPP is reported to have suggested the name of Makhdoom Amin Fahim while the government wanted Tariq Aziz to be the caretaker prime minister.
However, the PPP team, comprising Fahim and former Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) director general Rahman Malik, was reported to have agreed to a proposal that a retired Supreme Court judge should be considered for the job.
“According to the sources, presidential aides have told the PPP negotiators in plain words that no action or inquiry would be initiated against the three persons accused by Benazir Bhutto of being involved directly or indirectly in the October 18 Karachi bombings,” Dawn said.
Bhutto has said that in a letter she wrote to Musharraf before her arrival in Pakistan she had mentioned the names of three people who were involved in a conspiracy to kill her.
Meanwhile, presidential spokesperson Maj. Gen. (retd) Rashid Qureshi has rejected Bhutto’s allegation that Intelligence Bureau chief Brig. Ijaz Shah was involved in the Karachi blasts.
In a statement, he defended Shah’s integrity, saying he had worked for peace and tranquillity in the country and had contributed to the fight against terrorism in a most professional manner.
Shah had unearthed many terrorist plots and was known for his dedication and commitment to the country, Qureshi added.