Naveed Qamar refuses to nominate Makhdoom Amin

Naveed Qamar refuses to nominate Makhdoom Amin

The News

By By Rauf Klasra
3/19/2008
ISLAMABAD: Heartbroken and depressed Makhdoom Amin Fahim (MAF) was shocked when the man he had groomed in politics, Naveed Qamar, MNA, refused to sign his nomination papers for the slot of the prime minister.

When contacted by The News, Amin Fahim opened his heart before this correspondent as he was found reconciling with the unexpected betrayals at the hands of his old friend. In a very heartbreaking tone, he said, "Yes, this is true that Naveed Qamar has refused to sign my nomination papers for the election of the prime minister."

Fahim had met Naveed Qamar (NQ) to get his signature on the official papers, which he plans to submit in the NA Secretariat to contest the election to defy the nomination of Asif Zardari (AZ).

Now a totally transformed Naveed Qamar, dreaming to become the finance minister who, otherwise, has been winning the elections on the basis of political strength of MAF in his constituency, is said to have preferred Zardari over his old sponsor in the fast unfolding political dramas within the four walls of the Zardari House.

To further explain his inner feelings over the refusal of his most-trusted friend whom he always backed since 1988, Fahim quietly read out a widely-quoted couplet of the late poet Perveen Shakir: "Kaisay Keh Doon Keh Mujhay Chor Diya Hi Uss Nay, Baat Tu Sach Hai, Magar Baat Hai Ruswai Ki".

The most-unexpected refusal of NQ to sign his nomination papers is said to have reminded many sympathisers of Fahim in the ranks of the PPP that party stalwarts (Naveed) from Sindh had once again established the time- tested proverb that "there is no permanent friendships in politics except everlasting political interests".

This unlikely refusal of Qamar in whom Fahim had great faith because of his past personal relationship is said to have landed Amin Fahim in big political trouble as he is yet to find someone from the ranks of PPPP to sign his nomination papers, in case he decides to contest the election for the post of the prime minister to defy the nomination of Asif Zardari. This refusal of NQ has also revealed that MAF now stands isolated in the ranks of the PPP, after he refused to accept the decision of AZ to nominate someone else as the prime minister.

The only consolation MAF can have in these days of political betrayal is the public declaration of PPP Senator Enver Baig that what come may, he would not leave his 37-year-old friend Amin Fahim in these testing times. The rest of PPP leaders remain silent or indifferent to his ordeal, as they all seem to have adopted the policy of wait and see.

Like a pure pragmatic politician, a shrewd Naveed Qamar is believed to have simply preferred political considerations over his old friendship with Fahim. These days, Qamar, who spent a considerable time in jail on account of serious charges of corruption by the NAB, is now desperately trying to capture the top slot of the finance minister. This single consideration alone is believed to have led him to betray his patron and benefactor from Hala.

Though, Ishaq Dar is also being considered for this job keeping his expertise and abilities in view, Qamar was still hopeful of capturing the slot by his own manipulation within the ranks of the party.

Top-level sources said if so far Fahim had asked anyone to sign his nomination papers within the ranks of the PPP, it was Naveed Qamar as Fahim had been playing a major role in his election victory because of the presence of his spiritual followers in Sindh.

Earlier, a confident Fahim went to bewildered Naveed Qamar to sign his nomination papers for his election for PM. As a puzzled Qamar tried to justify his refusal, a visibly-shocked Fahim told him in a changed tone to reply him in "yes or no". After reading a big NO on the face of Naveed, a hurt Fahim simply walked away to hide his own emotions.

This correspondent made calls to Naveed Qamar but he did not attend. This correspondent also sent him a text message but he did not reply.

Meanwhile, Fahim revealed that Syed Qamar Zaman Shah, the father of Naveed Qamar, was his friend. He brought Naveed to him in 1988 or 1990 after he returned from the US after completing his studies in computer related subjects, etc. Qamar Zaman requested Fahim to arrange some job for his young son within the PPP. Fahim took a young Naveed to Benazir Bhutto, who at the personal request of Amin Fahim, gave him assigned him under Naseer Shah, a retired ambassador, who was then collecting applications from candidates. Later, Amin Fahim arranged his full induction into the party and enabled him to contest the election from the area where he had big number of spiritual followers. Fahim said he had always been backing Naveed Qamar in all these elections that he had won.

"If I don't support Naveed in his constituency, he may not win the election," Fahim said and added, "I was the one who had actually got him inducted into the party, but today he simply refused to sign my papers. This is something that hurts but a fact, too," Amin Fahim said. "It’s better if you don't ask me any more things on this subject," MAF asked this correspondent in a disheartening voice.

MAF also read out one more couplet: "Go Zara See Baat Pay Barsoon Kay Yaaranay Gaye, Laikin Itna Tu Hoa Kuch Log Pehchaney Gaye".