Over two-thirds of Pak Cabinet say 'nay' to NRO

Malaysia Sun (ANI) Tuesday 9th October, 2007

Islamabad, Oct 9 : Over two-thirds of the Pakistan Cabinet are reportedly opposed to the promulgation of the National Reconciliation Ordinance by the Musharraf regime, which aims to grant an amnesty to former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

Only 13 out of the 46 ministers raised their hands in favour of the NRO. An equal number supported the lifting of a ban on prime minister a third term. Twenty ministers approved the deal with Benazir, while 26 opposed it, The News reported.

"This summed up the general reaction and views prevailing in a predominant majority of our party about the new law and the deal with Benazir," a minister said.

Last week, at a meeting that was convened to inform key members of the ruling coalition about the NRO, Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q) chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain faced criticism from a few cabinet ministers for withdrawing corruption cases against Bhutto.

Textiles Minister Mushtaq Ali Cheema and the party's parliamentary secretary, Rajab Ali Baloch, have openly criticised attempts to rehabilitate her.

The duo made it clear that they would vote for Musharraf, but would re-evaluate their "affiliations" after the presidential election.

"We stand against corruption and this has been our position. If the corruption cases against anyone are withdrawn now, we will lose the people's confidence," Minister of State Raza Hayat Hiraj said.

Shujaat Hussain, however, insisted, "it (the withdrawing corruption cases) was in the national interest".

Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid said that though the move was wrong, they would go out and "convince the people".

According to media reports, the Pakistan Government has stopped Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Sher Afgan Niazi from moving the Supreme Court against the withdrawal of corruption cases against politicians.