Sources privy to the intra-PTI discussions told Business Recorder that PTI's central government is considering all options with a view to ensuring the logical conclusion of the joint investigation team (JIT) report in the fake accounts case.
The federal cabinet on Thursday placed all 172 suspects named in the report in the fake bank accounts case, including the entire top tier of PPP leadership such as Asif Ali Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Faryal Talpur, Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah, former chief minister Qaim Ali Shah and others on the exit control list (ECL).
"We cannot expect fair investigation as long as the PPP remains in power in Sindh, as the party has already rejected the JIT report and is hampering fair investigation into the fake bank accounts case. So, we have to ensure smooth running of the system," said a senior PTI leader.
Talking to reporters on Saturday, special assistant to the Prime Minister Iftikhar Durrani also hinted at replacing the PPP's Sindh government.
"Replacing the leadership in Sindh has become inevitable; a chief minister should not be under any investigation," Durrani said in response to a question whether the federal government is considering imposition of governor's rule in the province.
He said the JIT has established the fact that the provincial government of Sindh has been used for money laundering and the chief minister has acted as a facilitator.
"The PPP needs to decide how to run the affairs of the provincial government," he said, adding that the democratic process and accountability would continue uninterrupted.
Citing senior leadership discussion, PTI sources further claimed that the option of governor's rule in the province also remains on the table as the last resort.
They said it is the responsibility of the federal government to run the affairs in case of failure of constitutional machinery in any province.
Parliamentary sources said that there is no need for passing a resolution by the provincial assembly or taking consent of the provincial government for imposition of governor's rule under Article 234 and 235. However, under Article 232, a resolution from the provincial assembly would be required prior to governor's rule maybe imposed.
Article 234 refers to the power to issue a proclamation in case of failure of constitutional machinery in a province while Article 235 refers to proclamation in case of financial emergency. Article 232 is applicable in case of emergency on account of war, internal disturbance, etc.
According to PTI sources, another option under discussion is an in-house change in the provincial assembly for which efforts are underway with the allied parties; efforts are also underway to approach certain PPP members of the provincial assembly in a bid to secure support of the simple majority that means 85 MPAs in the 168 MPAs.
At present, PPP is the majority party with 99 MPAs and many of them under investigation in the fake bank accounts case. The opposition comprises of 68 MPAs, short 17 MPAs whose support is essential for an ultimate in-house change by simple majority vote. Among the opposition parties: PTI is party of 30 MPAs, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan or MQM-P 20 MPAs, Grand Democratic Alliance or GDA 14 and Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan or TLP 3 MPAs in Sindh Assembly.
Although Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) also has one MPA, it seems they may not join the PTI-led efforts for an in-house change.
Talking to Business Recorder, senior MQM-P leader Iqbal Mohammad Ali acknowledged ongoing discussions on various options, including an in-house change in the provincial assembly. However, he said, these are at an initial stage.
To a question about the imposition of the governor's rule, he said that his party's coordination committee would discuss and decide whether to support such a move or not if the federal government finalises it and seeks MQM-P's support in this regard.