Rauf Klasra: How PM consented to governor’s rule: the inside story

As the high political drama in the power corridors of Islamabad continues to unfold at a fast pace, it has been revealed that Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani was ignored in the decision-making process at the Presidency and Asif Ali Zardari took the decision to impose governor’s rule in the Punjab much before meeting his handpicked prime minister, who after finding no way out, quietly decided to fall in line instead of defiance.

The only laughable achievement of PM Gilani was that he successfully “convinced” President Zardari that he should not appoint Kamran Lashari as the new chief secretary Punjab, who otherwise was given clearance for this new assignment in the Punjab.

Gilani was said to be very happy with this single “achievement” as he was taking credit that he had made a determined president change his decision - an extraordinary milestone for many who know that Mr Zardari was not in the habit of changing his decisions.

The sources said Gilani was still hopeful that his personal position would be clearly understood by the political forces, media and civil society, as he had played his cards smartly. First, he quickly contacted Shahbaz Sharif on phone that he was not part of those decisions, which were being taken against them and this single call softened the tone of Sharif brothers against him as no one tried to blame him. Even Nawaz did not target him in his speech directed against Zardari in Sheikhupura.