National Assembly session commences on 17 March; PPP and PML-N sign a MoU for running coalition government; 30 people killed in a suicide bomb attack in Lahore
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  • Amidst uncertainties related to the post of prime minister in the forthcoming coalition, the National Assembly session began on March 17 as per a presidential order1. Earlier Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari signed an agreement called the “Murree Summit Declaration,” in Bhurban on March 9 pertaining to the structure of a PPP and PML-Q coalition government in the country. Among other things, the agreement called for the restoration of the deposed judges within 30 days of the formation of the federal government2.

    Zardari has been acquitted in the last of several pending cases against him rendering him free of all corruption charges3. He expressed his willingness to take up the coveted post of prime minister citing his party’s willingness on the issue4. Reports stated that his differences with Fahim on this issue still remains unsettled. Notably, the PML-N is also opposed to Fahim’s candidature owing to his alleged proximity to President Musharraf5. In a related development, Fahim, while addressing a press conference in Islamabad, rejected downright that he was in any way interested in becoming the president of Pakistan in exchange for giving up his candidature for premiership6.

    A suicide bomb attack hit the Federal Investigation Agency in Lahore and left at least 30 people dead and several injured on March 117.

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