ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's beleaguered Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani won tentative support at crisis talks with political opponents Monday, raising hopes that his government can stave off imminent collapse. The political turmoil was sparked Sunday when coalition partner the Muttahida Qaumi Movement quit the government to join the opposition. Although Gilani is not bound to seek a vote of confidence in the parliament, Gilani could face serious problems in passing legislation and any failure to get the budget adopted in June could force snap elections. He spent Monday locked in talks with the Pakistan Muslim League-Q and the brother of opposition leader Nawaz Sharif. “They will call their party meeting tomorrow and consult. It was agreed that parliament and democracy will be strengthened and no step will be taken which could derail democracy,” an upbeat Gilani said of the PML-Q meeting. PML-Q leader Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain said he would consult his party, but indicated that it could come to the prime minister's rescue. “We will support them on one condition that they will solve the problems being faced by the people of Pakistan.” Gilani met Shahbaz Sharif, the Chief Minister of Punjab province, but the party stopped short Monday of calling outright for a vote. “This is the most difficult time in Pakistan's history. We should not make it a media circus,” said Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, a senior PML-N leader. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari expressed full confidence Monday in the beleaguered prime minister. “(Zardari) has full confidence in Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and solidly stands behind him in foiling any attempt to destabilize the coalition government” said the presidential spokesman in a statement. – Agence France
