PPP-PML (N) 'deal' over caretaker set-up: coalition partners express reservations

The coalition partners of ruling Pakistan People's Party (PPP) have expressed reservations over the reported deal between PPP and the PML (N) on the formation of a neutral caretaker set-up under the 20th constitutional amendment. Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), a coalition partner, has floated a proposal to form a parliamentary committee comprising of parties with at least 10 parliamentarians to decide about the caretaker set-up.
Talking to Business Recorder MQM's deputy parliamentary leader, Syed Haider Abbas Rizvi said that the caretaker set-up was considerable importance and it should not be left to only two parties. "We have given a suggestion that a parliamentary committee must be established to decide about the neutral caretaker set up", Rizvi said, adding that the panel should comprise of parties that have at least 10 members in both the Houses of the Parliament.
When contacted Awami National Party (ANP), secretary information, Senator Zahid Khan said that his party has been consulted on the 20th constitutional amendment deal between the PPP and the PML (N). On the caretaker set-up, he said that in case the constitutional requirement of meaningful consultation between Prime Minister and leader of Opposition fails to lead to an agreement on a neutral caretaker set-up, then a commission will be constituted for the purpose. Senator Zahid said that the commission will comprise of all the parties in the parliament.
Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q), the major coalition partner is yet to identify its line of order on the 20th amendment vis-à-vis the formation of caretaker set-up. PML-Q, central secretary information, Kamil Ali Agha said that the two major political parties - PPP and PML-N were currently holding dialogue on the 20th amendment. He said that the PPP will bring before his party whatsoever understanding was reached with the PML-N, and then the PML-Q will present its position on the amendment and the future caretaker set-up.