Pakistan PM Has Good Credentials, Limited Authority

Subject: A profile of Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani.

Significance: Gilani is leader of a coalition government with a strong mandate but facing difficult problems. It is also committed to policies that could cause turbulence, particularly reinstating judges deposed by President Pervez Musharraf. Gilani's position is further complicated by political circumstances, with the leaders of the dominant parties in the ruling coalition directing policy from outside parliament.

Analysis: Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani was on March 24 elected prime minister by the National Assembly. He had been nominated by the Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP)-led coalition that was formed after the February 18 elections....

Conclusion: A strong background in the PPP and in oppostion to Musharraf, coupled with links to both Punjab and Sindh, bolster the credentials of the new prime minister and the cabinet he leads. However, he will not be shaping major policy decisions, which will be directed by coalition party leaders outside parliament, and his leadership will be tested by coalition management difficulties and by his ability to communicate and implement difficult, contentious or emotive policy decisions.

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