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Pakistan's Islamic Party Demands Prime Minister's Resignation Amid Coalition Crisis

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Pakistan's Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) party, led by Maulana Fazlur Rehman, has demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, citing his alleged sabotage of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) policy of reconciliation. This move comes a day after the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) withdrew its two ministers from the federal cabinet, citing a lack of consideration for their views and advice. The JUI, which has eight lawmakers in the National Assembly, quit the coalition earlier this month after Gilani sacked one of the party's ministers.

Gilani should resign on his own or President Asif Ali Zardari should remove him for sabotaging the President's policy of reconciliation, Rehman said. "It has become necessary for the Prime Minister to resign and for the PPP to give us a new premier. Or the President should himself take steps against the Prime Minister on the charge of sabotaging the President's policy of reconciliation. This should be done so that the country's political situation stabilises."

Key Takeaways:

  • Pakistan's Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) party demands Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's resignation due to alleged sabotage of PPP's policy of reconciliation.
  • The move comes a day after the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) withdrew its two ministers from the federal cabinet, citing a lack of consideration for their views and advice.
  • JUI leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman said Gilani should resign or be removed by President Asif Ali Zardari for sabotaging the reconciliation policy.
  • The JUI quit the coalition earlier this month after Gilani sacked one of the party's ministers.
  • Observers believe the actions of both the MQM and JUI are aimed at bargaining with the PPP for more ministerial slots and a greater say in decision-making.
  • The MQM has 25 parliamentarians supporting the PPP-led government, while the JUI has eight lawmakers in the National Assembly.

Statistics:

  • The JUI has eight lawmakers in the National Assembly.
  • The MQM has 25 parliamentarians supporting the PPP-led government.
  • The PPP-led coalition has a majority in the 342-member National Assembly with the backing of over 180 lawmakers.
  • The JUI departed the coalition earlier this month after Gilani sacked one of the party's ministers.
  • The MQM had yesterday alleged that its ministers had been given "impotent" portfolios.

Sources:

  • PTI (Pakistan Times International)
  • HT Media Ltd.

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