Gulf within PDM 'widens further'.

ISLAMABAD: Days after PDM's decision to part ways with PPP and ANP and form a new alliance of five opposition parties having 27 members in Senate, show-cause notices were served to both the political parties by the alliance, signalling a widening split within the opposition parties.

"Show-cause notices have been issued after approval from PDM President Maulana Fazlur Rehman and sent on WhatsApp," PML-N stalwart Shahid Khaqan Abbasi told a private TV channel, adding that both the parties have been given seven days to respond. "Whatever answer is received will be presented during a meeting of the opposition alliance's constituent parties," he said. "The PDM will decide the future course of action," he added.

Abbasi said that it was written on the notice, reportedly served for not attending the alliance meeting on April 2 and violating its decision, that the opposition alliance will not make it public. However, both the parties can make them public if they wish to do so, he said.

Leader of the Opposition in Senate Yousuf Raza Gilani later confirmed that the PPP has received the show-cause notice.

Last week, the PDM had decided to part ways with the PPP and ANP, and form a new alliance of five opposition parties comprising PML-N, JUI-F, PkMAP, NP and BNP-Mengal.

Also on Monday, opposition parties clashed in the first formal Senate session on Monday as five parties who had earlier decided to constitute an independent group in the Upper House consisting of 27 members, demanded they be allotted separate opposition benches in the Senate. The group is being led by the PML-N designated opposition leader Senator Azam Nazir Tarrar.

"We should be allotted separate opposition benches and the hidden cameras [in the Senate elections] should be investigated," Senator Tarrar said.

Senators supporting Opposition Leader Yousaf Raza Gillani protested Tarrar's remarks. Government members, too, protested when senators from the Balochistan Awami Party were presented with gifts and a commotion broke out in the House.

Tarrar said that 27 senators from five parties have formed a separate opposition group. He said the opposition will play a 'positive and constructive' role. He said he was saddened by the appointment of the leader of the opposition.

Speaking in the House, Opposition Leader in Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani said he will work with all opposition parties and will also speak on behalf of the government if ever need be. He said he contested the Senate elections...