KARACHI, March 8: As differences cropped up in the Pakistan People’s Party over the nomination of prime ministerial slot, Sindh Chief Minister designate Syed Qaim Ali Shah has expressed hope that the issue will be resolved through mutual consultation and asked the leaders not to go public on their concerns.

However, he categorically rejected any cleavage within the party leadership and said the PPP was engaged in democratic consultation to incorporate the interests of other allies in the coming set-up. He said that workers had expressed confidence in the leadership and it was necessary for them to remain united and resolve issues through mutual consultation.

Mr Shah expressed these views when he was asked by Dawn on Saturday to comment on the reported statement of PPP Parliamentarians President Makhdoom Amin Fahim that indicated a simmering split within the party leadership which the workers believed would be exploited by General Pervez Musharraf and his cronies.

The PPP’s designated chief minister of Sindh also referred to the supreme sacrifice Benazir Bhutto made for the sake of democratic transition in the country and the decisions announced after her soyem in Naodero in the light of her will.

Makhdoom Amin Fahim, meanwhile, left for Islamabad on Saturday evening where he was expected to explain the situation to Asif Ali Zardari, sources said.

Mr Shah showed his ignorance about the possibility of Aftab Shaaban Mirani’s nomination for the top slot if he wins in the repolling in some areas later this month. The repolling was, however, stayed by the Sindh High Court later on Saturday.

He said that the PPP was a large party which was engaged in democratic consultation to incorporate the interests of other allies in the new set-up. He said that PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari had so far acted maturely which was reflected in the understanding reached at in the case of Balochistan.

When asked about the future challenges faced by the PPP and its relationship with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, he said the committee constituted by Mr Zardari had held initial meeting with the MQM. He said that it was in the interest of both the parties and the province to work for the common good. However, he was not aware whether further talks were being held between the two parties at a higher level.

He said that the PPP government would work for removing the misperception of the urban-rural divide in Sindh. Law and order would be his government’s top priority, he said, adding that policies would also be chalked out to address economic issues for provision of jobs, better education and health care facilities to people.

He also said that the PPP government would introduce land grant policy under which the poor would be given 20 to 30 acres of land.

Mr Shah said the party had done brain-storming over cabinet formation but it was waiting for a nod from the party’s co-chairman.