Pakistan Views

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Monday declined to hold talks with flourmills owners and directed the Punjab food department to ensure continued availability of flour at the price of Rs300 per 20-kg bag.

According to handout issued in Lahore, a meeting presided by Shahbaz Sharif decided that chief minister would soon address a press conference to uncover the flourmills mafia.

Spokesman said that Food department has handed over facts to the chief minister.

It said that Punjab food department was strictly directed to provide flour at cheap rate to people.

The meeting further decided to increase extended provision of wheat to those flourmills owners who refused to refuse to go on strike. Control room has been set up in Lahore to ensure availability of flour.

Muttehada Qaumi Movement (MQM) quaid Altaf Hussain said that Pakistan is passing through crucial situation and we have to think for the country above the power.

Altaf Hussain said this while talking on phone with Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Mushahid Hussain and other Muslim League leaders at Nine Zero.

He said that today the country is facing economic and financial crisis and going through various problems besides terrorism.

Altaf Hussain said that the solidarity and security of the country is surrounded by various threat and therefore we have to think for the security and solidarity of the country above the political interests.

He told Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain that our relationship with you is based on the existence of the country and the suppressed people and this relation will last.

Altaf Hussain said that we have already nominated Asif Ali Zardari for presidential election but I am glad that an able and talented person like Mushahid Hussain is participating in the presidential election.

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said that the government has increased power tariff on demand of the IMF and the World Bank.

He said this while talking with journalists on arriving at Multan airport.

The prime minister said that we have been getting loans from World Bank and the IMF but we were giving subsidy to the people.

However, the World Bank opposed this situation and stressed to change this policy and we had to take these unpopular decisions, he said.

Yousuf Raza Gilani said that these are unpopular decisions for an elected government but we have to take the country’s economy on right track therefore we took this difficult decision.

He said that the WAPDA does not give any bill to the PSO and due to this the PSO stops oil supply to WAPDA which affects the production of electricity.

Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani’s selection for premiership by PPP co-chairman Asif Zardari, who was acting on behalf of the party’s policy-making body, the central executive committee, was perhaps nothing more than a teaser: an introduction for a product that does not mention the name of the product or say much about it but is intended to make people interested and likely to pay attention to a later launch.

The launch has turned out to be Zardari’s own candidature for the office of a powerful president. His party sounds quite confident that he will be elected to a position of trust, a job involving a lot of responsibility, although those who put their trust in him recently feel let down. He would be terrified at the thought of being defeated.

Arguably, Zardari seems to have set his targets that he reasonably hopes to achieve. Why does his every latest move sound suspiciously like the last one? It is widely believed that Zardari will be making a very shrewd move in which he, like a wrestler, quickly gets his opponent down to the floor from a standing position.

That Zardari is fully exposed to stinging criticism for not keeping his promises, it remains to be seen whether or not he will be looking forward to improving his somewhat tarnished public image once elected as president. Arguably, his election will enable him effectively emerge from the shadows of his slain wife.

Not only are his words “Pakistan khappe” that he reportedly uttered soon after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto critical to his own political survival viz-a-viz the country’s establishment, he has been able to combine different parts of a fragile coalition to create a final impression: the rich texture of the diversity, which is amply evident from the parties, groups and individuals who have promised him support from the four provinces of the country.

Although Zardari is good at talking his way out of a difficult situation, his journey can soon become tedious. That his education qualification has become a big question mark in TV talk shows in particular, he seems to be still recovering from the shock caused to him by the recent Financial Times report casting doubt over the state of his mental health. Moreover, his overseas financial stakes do not go down well with his credentials.

That he has apologised to Nawaz for not honouring his written commitment, his reneging on promises must have left a bad taste in his mouth to make him feel disgusted and humbled afterwards. Zardari must be truly sorry that things between Nawaz and him had to end like this. Despite his party’s overt threats that its legislators would be quitting the Punjab government, he still wants to leave the door open to make sure that there still remains a possibility of making a move to pre-empt the alliance or unification of PML-N and PML-Q.

But the question is whether Nawaz swore revenge on Zardari who swept him off his feet and later betrayed his trust? The answer could be simple: rage must have bubbled just below the surface of Nawaz’s mind. The present feverish activity in relation to the presidential election strongly indicates that he won’t allow Zardari even a semblance of what can be termed a walk-over or a contest that took place between PPP’s Farooq Leghari and his candidate Wasim Sajjad in the 1990s. He will be in a position to make Zardari’s life difficult if he decides to enlist PML-N’s breakaway faction, PML-Q on his side.

Once this idea being floated by the legislators from both sides of the divide turns into a reality, the two PMLs will be left with only one candidate by September 6 or even earlier. This may even make it mandatory for Nawaz to withdraw Justice Saeed-uz- Zaman Siddiqui from the contest at the eleventh hour if he is not able to successfully articulate his argument for Mushahid Husain withdrawing from the fray.

The profundity of argument that there should not be a president and prime minister from the same province notwithstanding, the country could still see a one-on-one contest between Zardari from Sindh and Mushahid from Punjab with a prime minister in office who is already from the Punjab. Among other things, the prospects of this scenario look bright because the former Chief Justice Saeed-uz-Zaman Siddiqui’s lack of experience for a post which is no more a ceremonial job but a highly political office, particularly, ever since the adoption of the 17th Amendment, goes against him.

That the number of three contestants narrowing down to two appears to be a strong possibility, this may herald our establishment’s overt involvement in the affair. Such a situation will then represent the arrival of real actors on the stage who have successfully effected the return of Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, pressurised the then army chief to doff his uniform and later forced him out of the presidency. Should such a situation materialise, the election would then be a keenly fought contest with Zardari still enjoying an edge but not a walk-over.

Although differences between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan Muslim League-Q have been narrowed, it would take some time for the unification of the two factions of PML. This was stated by presidential candidate of Pakistan Muslim League (Q) Mushahid Hussain Syed while talking to Business Recorder after a meeting of the parliamentary party of PML (Q) here at Gulberg residence of party chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussein on Saturday.

Mushahid said that there was a ‘cease-fire’ and both sides are not issuing statements against each other. When contacted former Federal Minister and PML (Q) leader Ijaz ul Haq told this scribe that PML (N) is not making sincere efforts for unification of both the factions of PML. He said that PML (N) is still holding dialogues with PPP to remove the differences.

He was of the view that both sides should give up ’stubborn attitude’ and move forward, if they are sincere for the unification. Earlier Mushahid Hussein Syed addressed members of the parliamentary party of PML (Q) in the Punjab Assembly.

In his address, he thanked the party leadership for reposing confidence in him by choosing him as party candidate for the prestigious slot of President of Pakistan. He told them that the PML (Q) is waging a struggle for the country’s integrity and solidarity. He stated that the PML (Q) is practising politics based on principles.

The meeting also formed a committee headed by Chaudhry Zaheeruddin, Opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly to contact the members of PML (Q) forward block in a bid to remove their differences.

The meeting also constituted another five-member committee comprising Mohsin Leghari, Yousaf Leghari, Fateh Mohammad Khazdar, Saima Amjad and Bushra Nawaz Gardezi to establish contacts with legislators of other parties for getting their support for Syed Mushahid Hussein in the presidential election.

Later, addressing a news conference Syed Mushahid Hussein accompanied by PML (Q) President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussein, opposition leader Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, Ijaz ul Haq, Hamid Nasir Chattha, said the PML (Q) had given a new choice to the nation, a new hope and were committed to working for a new future. He said our vision is ‘Pakistan first’ while their vision (ruling party) is ‘power first’.

He apprehended advent of politics of confrontation, if the tug of war starts for power. At present, the country needs healing touch, which is a must for the country’s solidarity, he added. ‘PML (Q) has clear vision because we talk about people of Pakistan, their economic well being, provincial autonomy and independent foreign policy,’ he said.

Mushahid maintained that Quaid-e-Azam is our role model, we talk about Pakistan first because our vision and policies are crystal clear. He claimed that independent surveys and public opinion had declared him as the best presidential candidate. He was of the view that President is a symbol of federation, therefore, a controversial person should not occupy this office.

He expressed the resolve to work for parliament’s supremacy, provincial autonomy and freedom of media. He called for support for a journalist (Mushahid) to become the country’s president, as in the past politician, technocrat and retired judge became the head of state.

Mushahid also posed a challenge to Asif Ali Zardari for debate before the presidential poll. He further said that this time presidential election has significant importance, as it is being held on September 6, which is Defence of Pakistan Day. Moreover, the election is being held in the holy month of Ramazan, therefore, voters should vote in the presidential election according to their conscience.

When asked why the PML (Q) had not challenged the candidature of Asif Ali Zardari, Mushahid said: ‘we had taken the decision after taking all legal aspects under consideration’. ‘We believe in facing politically and taking the case to people of Pakistan’. That was the reason, the PML (Q) is not only meeting the voters of presidential Electoral College but also taking the people of Pakistan into confidence, he said.

He further said that he along with his party chief is proceeding to Karachi on August 31 as a part of his presidential election campaign. When asked why he is underestimating the PML (N) nominee for presidential office, Mushahid said that Justice (Retd) Saeed uz Zaman Siddiqui has not so far clearly shown his ‘identity’.

PML (Q) President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussein told reporters on the occasion that his party is waging a struggle for the country’s solidarity and there will be no ‘political bargaining’ under the cover of presidential election. He said Mushahid Hussein Syed is the PML (Q) nominee for presidential slot and our doors are open for all those who intend to support our candidate.

He wished that presidential election is held on the basis of ‘one-man one-vote’. Shujaat asked the voters of presidential election to vote according to their conscience. Regarding his meeting with the PML (N) nominee for presidential office former Justice Saeed uz Zaman Siddiqui, Shujaat said he told him that his party had not asked for his support.

To another question, he said lot of things are going to be happened, but the PML (Q) believes that no undemocratic mean should be adopted. Answering a question about getting the office of opposition leader in National Assembly by PML-N, Shujaat said PML-N should first become the opposition after quitting the Punjab government, then request for getting the slot of opposition leader.

Opposition leader Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi said on the occasion that in today’s meeting not only presidential election, but also contacts being made between PML (N) and PML (Q) were discussed in detail. He said that his party would welcome all those who had joined the forward block. ‘Our legislators are politically matured and they would be fully backed at the party leadership,’ Elahi said.

He said the decision about extending support to either PPP or PML-N in Punjab would be taken in days to come. ‘After end of monsoon, honeymoon period of sitting rulers will be over and there will be hospitality week soon,’ he said. He said those who called PML (Q) as ‘Qatil League’ in the past and that this party had no identity are looking towards it for getting its support.

Even the worst political opponents of PML (Q) have not only accepted its identity but also seeking its support, he added. Answering a question, he expressed surprise over reports of oath-taking on Holy Quran by Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khosa from female legislators in connection with presidential poll.

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP-Sherpao) on Saturday announced to support Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in the presidential election. Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, Chairman PPP-Sherpao, Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpoa flanked by Faryal Talpur, sister of Asif Ali Zardari said that his party has decided in principal that it would support Asif Ali Zardari in the presidential election scheduled for September 6.

His party believes in a complete harmony among the offices of the Prime Minister and President and the PPP has the right on the Presidency due to its mandate, as it is the single largest party in the Parliament. Sherpao said the country was facing serious challenges particularly the security threats that should be resolved by taking all stakeholders on board. ”

I had talked to Asif Ali Zardari on phone and requested him to resolve the issue of security, particularly in my province by taking all stakeholders on board in the parliament,” he said and added that all the political parties should work together in the prevailing political situation. Sherpao said his party had sided with the democratic forces when the PPP announced to impeach former president Pervez Musharraf.

He spelled out his party’s priorities and urged PPP-led government to resolve the contentious issues of provincial autonomy, rehabilitation of displaced persons in NWFP and improvement in Pak-Afghan relations. PPP-S chief said the issue of deposed judges should also be resolved at the earliest, though he did not suggest any solution to the issue.

To a question, Sherpao said his party was not going to join the government but it will support PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari for the presidential election. On the occasion, Zardari’s sister Faryal Talpur thanked Sherpao for his party’s support to PPP co-chairperson in the forthcoming presidential election.

“PPP wants peace in the country and the region. We agree with Aftab Sherpao that provinces should be made stronger,” she told media persons. Farah Isphahani, Mehreen Anwer Raja besides his own party fellows including Anisa Zeb Tahirkheli were also present on the occasion.

Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam (F) has decided to support Pakistan Peoples Party Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari in presidential election. Talking to a press conference in Peshawar, JUI Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that his party has decided to support Asif Zardari after the government decided to halt military operation in tribal areas of Pakistan.

Pakistan Muslim League-N Chief Nawaz Sharif has said that PML-N can rejoin ruling coalition if Pakistan Peoples Party repeal 17th amendment and restore all deposed judges before presidential election.

PML-N chief said that his party agenda was to restore deposed judges first and then impeachment of President Musharraf, however, after hearing Pakistan Peoples Party’s Co-chairman Asif Zardari’s ‘Achi Achi Batain’ he changed his mind.

He said, “If PPP decides to change Punjab government, people will not tolerate it.” Responding to a question regarding coalition with Pakistan Muslim League-Q, he said that if PML-Q supports their presidential candidate then negotiations can go ahead. Nawaz said that army could interfere again if country faced turmoil. He deplored the restoration of Lahore and Sindh High Court deposed judges who had taken fresh oath recently.

Pakistan Peoples Party(PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari, Saeeduzzaman Siddiqui of Pakistan Muslim League-N and PML-Q candidate Mushahid Hussain Syed would contest the presidential election after withdrawal of nomination papers of covering candidates of PML-N and PPP.

PPP covering candidate Faryal Talpur and PML-N covering candidate Roaedad Khan have withdraw their papers on Saturday in Election Commission. Earlier, nomination papers of five candidates were accepted.

Senator Asif Ali Zardari is the most suitable candidate for the office of the President and acceptable to both the natinal and international community.

Senator Babar Awan while talking to mediamen outside the Election Commission of Pakistan said “Asif Zardari has not been nominated presidential candidate by the PPP only but by the coalition parties with consensus.

He represents the federation and “enjoys support across the four provinces,” Babar Awan said

Babar said Asif Zardari has globally accepted personality as Benazir Bhutto had herself introduced him at the international level during last 22 years.

He said that propaganda about Senator Asif Ali Zardari’s withdrawal from the presidential elections proved to be false as he has emerged one among the three final contestants for the top slot.

Pakistan needs a president who should be capable of deeply observing the varying geo-political circumstances and has to courage to boldly accept the challenge. By the grace of Allah Almighty, senator Zardari has all these characteristics.”

Zardari’s most significant achievement is formation of broad-based national unity government; first ever in the history of the country, Awan added.

The PPP leader said his party was contesting the presidential election with traditional spirit; despite negative propaganda and media trial. “Presidential election will be held on fixed date and time.

Babar Awan urged the participants of presidential election to maintain parliamentary conventions, honour constitutional obligations and observe rules and regulations during the process.

“As no one had come forward to save the dictator Pervez Musharraf, similarly no element can block the way of this democratic process,” he remarked.

Democratic transition, for which Benazir Bhutto had sacrificed her life, would be accomplished, he said.

In reply to a question, Babar Awan termed the demand by certain elements for resign of PPP ministers from Punjab cabinet as illogical. He said PPP not had the portfolios in charity but after winning 125 seats of provincial assembly.

“PPP believes in inclusive politics.It is representative of the federation, therefore the question of resigning does not arise” he maintained.

Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Saturday said government would support setting up of a modern psychotrauma research centre to deal with the psychological effects of terrorist attacks.

Inaugurating the first international conference on psychotrauma, the Prime Minister said “we will ensure implementation of Plan of Action as proposed by the conference to deal with the serious issue.”

He said the nation was confronting a serious challenge in the wake of terrorist attacks, the worst-ever in country’s history, and said these were having a negative impact on the mental health of the people.

“However the nation has the resilience and the courage to stand up to such challenges,” Gilani told the participants who are here to discuss “Trauma in the changing world; challenges and opportunities.”