Chaudhrys save the day.

Byline: Mubashir Hassan

LAHORE -- At a time when the government and the Opposition are locked in a conflict and neither side is ready to budge an inch from its position, the Chaudhrys of Gujrat have stepped in to save the situation using their personal influence and goodwill with the Maulana who has now come to a position to dictate terms to the rulers.

Holding reins of a mammoth crowd in the federal capital and having support of the mainstream opposition parties, Maulana Fazlur Rehman has thrown a challenge on the government. He is there to seek resignation from a sitting prime minister, hurling threats of marching towards the Prime Minister House in case his demand is not met. He also intends to hold a prolonged sit-in till acceptance of his demands.

On the other hand, the government has also declared in unequivocal terms that it will not succumb to the pressure, though it has engaged its team to negotiate with the Opposition parties to settle the issues.

In the high-stakes political battle, it is time of acute stress. Nobody knows for certain who would eventually emerge victorious in this battle of nerves which may prolong over several days.

In a bid to defuse the current political tension between the warring sides, PML-Q chief Ch Shujaat Hussain and Speaker Punjab Assembly Ch Parvez Elahi Sunday telephoned Maulana Fazlur Rehman to convince the JUI-F chief to come to an amicable settlement with the government. They also advised him to dispel the impression [created by Maulana's last speech] that he was against the state institutions.

PML-Q's Secretary General Kamil Ali Agha told The Nation that Maulana responded positively to the call from the PML-Q leaders and invited them to meet him at his Islamabad residence on Monday (today).

It is significant to note that following the telephonic contact with the Chaudhrys, Maulana Fazl told marchers on Sunday night that he wanted Azadi March protesters to stay at H-9 venue for the time being.

It has the implied meaning that the JUI-F chief has extended the deadline given to the government for PM's resignation.

In such a volatile political situation, today's (Monday) meeting between the Chaudhry cousins and Maulana Fazlur Rehman is of utmost importance. Chaudhrys are known for their cordial terms with the JUI-F chief who also holds them in high esteem.

It is noteworthy that both Ch Shujaat and the Maulana have been strong proponents of conciliation in politics avoiding use...