Pakistan Views

Former federal minister and PML-Q leader Sheikh Rashid Ahmad has said that a resolution for restoration of deposed judges, followed by a constitutional package, would be acceptable to every one but it couldn’t be possible before the budget session.Talking to media he said the Supreme Court cannot issue stay order against the National Assembly but a stay order can be issued against an executive order.He claimed that the complicated issue of judges’ re-instatement could be resolved so easily in coming few days.To a query he said, “If we believe that the army will no more interfere in political affairs, we can expect a Bangladesh-like situation in the country.” He said that judges after their restoration may declare the elections null and void and would conduct new election in the country.Rashid also praised Asif Ali Zardari for his vision, saying that he played significant role in the party after the martyrdom of Benazir Bhutto. He said if Nawaz League parts ways with PPP and Centre, it would have to face danger in Punjab.To another question he prayed for the continuation of the alliance, adding if the constitutional package is introduced after taking all political parties into confidence, the Q-League will also vote it.He said the next general election would take place soon as the country’s situation is worsening with each passing day and the people’s problems are not resolved.He said the country is facing the worst kind of inflation but the government is taking no action against the hoarders. He said the wheat crop has reached but despite it atta is not available in the market and the prices of commodities are beyond the access of the common man.

Change in Pakistan Muslim League-Q leadership is likely within few days, sources disclosed on Saturday. According to sources, Pakistan Muslim League (PML)-Q leaders Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Chaudhry Pervez Elahi met with President Musharraf at Army camp office in Rawalpindi on Saturday and discussed change in leadership of PML-Q.
The issue of restoration of judges also discussed during the meeting.The names of Pir Pagara and Hamid Nasir Chattha are under consideration to lead the former ruling party.Chaudhry brothers have given their consent that they have no objection over Pir Pagara to head the PML-Q.

Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has said people knew that both Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz were trying to reinstate the deposed judges for their own sake. He was addressing a press conference here at the PML House on Friday after chairing an organisational meeting of Multan Division.Elahi said during the meeting, he was informed by the party office bearers and workers that fake cases were being registered against PML workers in order to harass them. He added that copies of FIRs were also presented to him during the meeting according to which over 100 cases had been registered against the party workers in each district of the province.Condemning the registration of fake cases, Elahi said that those who lived in Saroor Palace and have “fun” did not learn any lesson and have re-started victimisation of opponents. He said that his party in its first cabinet meeting had decided to give free education up to matric but the sitting government in its first cabinet meeting discussed how to restart political victimisation of opponents.Besides, he added they start their day with a breakfast of transfers and postings of at least 10 to 12 senior officials. Elahi said that people were deprived of flour, electricity and gas whereas the ruling alliance had diverted the attention of the people from actual issues. The government has no agenda to give relief to the masses as it has no vision and commitment to resolve the issues of the general public, he added.Elahi said he was surprised that Shahbaz Sharif despite being not elected to any house is ordering transfers and postings and conducting interviews of the officials. He added that they (Sharifs) either shelve their illegal attitude or should not talk about constitution and law.He said that despite the arrival of new wheat crop in the market, the flour crisis was not yet over and for the first time in the history of the country, the houses of wheat growers were raided and they were being harassed. Elahi said that the government can tear the pages having pictures of PML leaders from books but they should provide free books to the students.He added there were reports that the government was trying to roll back those revolutionary steps in education sector, which were introduced by the PML government. He said that the PML government had eliminated corruption, changed traffic culture, provided free medicines but the ruling alliance had been harassing the administration.Elahi said that the PML had started the organisational work to know the real causes of their defeat in the general elections besides organising the party at grass roots level. The PML would emerge as the strongest party in the days to come and play its political role, he added.Elahi appealed to the media to play its role in forcing the ruling alliance not to divert people’s attention from real issues. Opposition leader in Punjab Assembly, Chaudhry Zaheeruddin Khan, SVP Muhammad Basharat Raja, Arshad Lodhi and others were also present.

Pakistan Muslim League (Q) Tuesday took a U-turn over the deposed judges issue with its president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain saying that the party had never opposed their reinstatement.Party sources said that most of the MNAs who spoke about the judges issue at a meeting of the PML (Q) parliamentary party were of the view that the party should support a parliamentary resolution to restore the deposed judges.”We do not oppose judges restoration and rather want resolution of the judges issue in line with the public sentiments and aspirations,” said the PML President Ch. Shujaat Hussain while talking to the media at his residence after the PML (Q) Parliamentary Party meeting. Ch. Shujaat said he never opposed the judges restoration and it was up to the ruling coalition to decide how many judges would be restored and when.Hailing the removal of the graduation condition for contesting elections, Chaudhry Shujaat said it would help strengthen the democratic system.Commenting on he news conference addressed by leaders of the ruling coalition, Shujaat said there was no harmony in the statements of both the leaders.”I had earlier predicted that the one-month timeframe would come to an end but these politicians would not be able to settle the judges issue. Now you see, 9 days are left in the deadline and they have formed a committee to settle the issue,” he said.Shujaat reminded both the PPP and PML-N to shift their attention towards the issues being faced by the common public, saying that the government should shift its focus to resolve Atta, power and water crisis.”The PML would continue reminding the coalition government to fulfill the promises they made to the masses during their electoral campaign”, he said.Shujaat brushed aside the impression that the party was facing any internal split. “All the names which captured headlines in media are present here. They all are with the party,” he added.Earlier, Senator S.M. Zafar gave a detailed briefing about apossible resolution to restore the deposed judges.

Fifteen MNA of the Pakistan Muslim League (Q) have formed the forward block in the party and these members have expressed no confidence on the leadership of the party. Sources told that the members of the forward block held a meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday night.Riaz Fatyana, Prince Mohiyuddin, Akram Masih Gul, Jaffar Laghari, Kashmala Tariq, Dr.Samijho Nazir Jatt, Khawaja Shiraz, Ghous Bux Mehar, Rana Tauseef and other members attended the meeting while Jam Mohammad Yousuf and Zubeda Jalal from Balochistan assured on telephone of their joining the forward block.The forward block members said on this occasion that the party leadership is not making decisions by taking the members into confidence.They said that the party leadership including parliamentary leader in the national assembly Faisal Saleh Hayat and chief whip belong to Punjab.Besides, the members coming from the PPP into the PML (Q) are being given more importance.The members said that they would wait for a few days and thereafter their doors would be closed for the party leadership.

Pakistan Muslim League-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has said that former Sindh Chief Minister Dr. Arbab Ghulam Rahim was subjected to state violence and he would not demand judicial inquiry into the matter.Talking to media at the airport, he said protest would be registered over manhandling of former Sindh Chief Minister Dr. Arbab Ghulam Rahim after consultations with political allies.Nisar Memon and Muhammad Ali Durrani accompanied Chaudhery Shujaat Hussain. He said he would not demand any judicial inquiry into the matter. He, however, asked media to portray the incident in proper manner. He said MQM’s boycott from the session of Sindh Assembly was a good step and after consultations with Muttahida Qaumi Movement he would announce future course of action in a press conference today. Former Chief Minister Dr. Arbab Ghulam Rahim also arrived at Karachi airport to receive PML-Q president. A large number of PML-Q workers were present at the airport. Later, Chaudhery Shujaat went to Dr. Arbab’s residence.

Pakistan Muslim League-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has ruled out any possibility of impeachment of President Pervez Musharraf, and said it is out of question at present. Talking to reporters at the Muslim League House here on Saturday, Chaudhry Shujaat said that people, who were denying having contacts with the presidential camp, were now acknowledging such contacts.He was of the view that present coalition government would not go for impeaching President Musharraf. He further said that by giving unanimous vote of confidence to the newly elected Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani, a good example was set.When asked about restoration of the deposed judges, Shujaat claimed that the government would delay the matter on one pretext or the other, while the time given to the government was going to exhaust. However, he said that his party would accept whatever was decided on the judges’ issue in accordance with the Constitution and law.Answering a question, Shujaat said that the PML-Q could not even think to interfere with the army matters and it would never issue any statement in this regard. He also condemned forcible occupation of his party’s office in Karachi by workers of other faction of the PML.He said that the PML House belonged to the Pakistan Muslim League and was not the property of anyone’s ancestors. To another query, Shujaat was of the view that seeing the situation in Karachi, it was necessary for Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) to be the part of the Sindh government.
Answering yet another question, Shujaat said that he would stay in the country to face the cases and would never leave the country. He further said that his party believed in politics of decency and our legislators would practice positive politics and set good democratic traditions in the country.Speaking on the occasion, opposition leader in the National Assembly and former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi said that his party would field its candidates for the slots of speaker, deputy speaker and leader of the house in the Punjab Assembly.He said impatience was being shown for induction of new government in the Punjab. He said that efforts were being made to control bureaucracy in Punjab before induction of the provincial government. Earlier, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain chaired a party meeting in which strategy for reorganisation of the PML-Q was evolved. The meeting also discussed current political situation.

President of Muslim League-Q Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain said he wants participation of every party in the formation of Balochistan government.
Talking to media here Thursday Chaudhry Shujaat denied differences in the party ranks adding that all are united.
Shujaat said that he wants participation of all parties in formation of government in Balochistan and vowed that all issues would be settled in pleasant environment.
Mushahid Husaain talking on this occasion said the decisions will be taken in the interest of Pakistan, the party and the people of Pakistan.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Q president Ch Shujaat Hussain will hold a meeting with its allies on Tuesday to discuss a strategy with regard to the role as opposition in the incoming assemblies. MQM, National People’s Party (NPP) and PML-(F) members of the national and provincial assemblies are expected to attend the meeting. The sources also indicated that after consultations for making nomination to contest the election for the Leader of the House, speaker and deputy speaker an announcement would also be made in this regard.
PML-Q Information Secretary Senator Tariq Azeem, told that all the allies of the PML-Q had accepted the invitation and would attend the luncheon meeting. “The Muttahida Qaumi Movement, PPP (Sherpao), National People’s Party and PML-F have confirmed their participation,” he added.

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) on Sunday announced their unequivocal support to PML(Q) while MQM chief Altaf Hussain said that his party had been with the PML, it is with it and will remain with it in future also. The party’s announcement and Altaf Hussain’s assurance in this regard emerged on the occasion of a meeting between PML(Q) and Muttahida leadership at MQM headquarter here on Sunday afternoon.
In the meeting which lasted for about 50 minutes the PML(Q) team was led by its President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain. He was accompanied by PML(Q) Secretary-General Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Engr. Amir Muqam, Senator Ghaffar Qureshi, Tariq Hasan Khan, Aleem Adil Shaikh, Bostan Ali Hoti and Amanullah Khan Paracha.
The Muttahida side was represented by its Rabita Committee Deputy Convenor Dr Farooq Sattar, former federal minister Babar Khan Ghauri, Haider Abbas Rizvi, Anwar Alam, Shahid Lateef, Ashfaq Mangi, Dr Aasim, Nek Mohammed, and Mumtaz Anwar Baji.
Before the start of formal talks between the two sides, Chaudhry Shujaat also had a talk with MQM chief Altaf Hussain in London. Later talking to the battery of members of print and electronic-media, Chaudhry Shujaat said Altaf Hussain conveyed his party’s full support to the PML and said the Muttahida had always been with the PML in the past and is still with it today and will remain so in future as well.He said he reminded Altaf Hussain of the days when they too used to come to MQM headquarter known as “nine zero” and remain there till late in the night and sleep in MQM hostel. Shujaat Hussain said they assured the Muttahida their unconditional support even if they join the PPP government in Sindh in the larger interest of the province and its people. Addressing to media persons, Mushahid Hussain said the PML will have full enjoyment in the opposition because of the spirit and vigour exhibited by Muttahida workers on their arrival at MQM headquarter.
He pointed out that out of 34 million votes cast, the PML coalition - NPP, MQM, PML (F) and PPP (S) bagged 11.5 million votes. He said PML topped the position with MQM and PPP on the trail. In Sindh also, he said, the coalition bagged highest number of votes while PPP remained at the second position. He said it is a big factor, which will play a role in the coming days. Mushahid said it has been decided that the PML will play its role in the opposition and whatever decision is taken by Muttahida, it will extend full support to them. He said in the meeting of the central executive of the party in Islamabad, the party made it clear to play a positive role on issues like health, education, social justice, provincial autonomy, independent foreign policy as well as in the fight against terrorism and extremism. He said the PML firmly believes that strong provinces guarantee a strong Pakistan. He referred to telephonic talk with Altaf Hussain who, he said, extended all out assurance of their support which they gave in the past and is available today and will continue so in future also.
Addressing the journalists, Engr. Amir Muqam said during the meeting they extended felicitations to Muttahida for its glorious win in Sindh and also thanked them on behalf of Pakhtoons for the grand welcome accorded to them by Muttahida workers.
He said the coalition works for the agenda set by President Pervez Musharraf which envisions a modern and progressive Pakistan and elimination of extremism and terrorism from the country. Amir Muqam said the PML will continue to work for carrying forward this agenda. He said the majority of people of Pakistan had supported the President in the past and will continue their support for him in future as well. On the occasion, Mushahid Hussain congratulated Muttahida chief Altaf Hussain and said he propagated positive traditions in Pakistan’s history and spoke loudly for the oppressed and suppressed classes of people instead of capitalists and feudals. Dr Farooq Sattar welcomed Chaudhry Shujaat and Mushahid Hussain and other PML leaders at MQM headquarter on behalf of MQM Chief Altaf Hussain, the MQM Rabita Committee and the party workers.
He said during talks the PML leaders were clearly told that even if Muttahida makes new friends, it would not leave its coalition partners and old friends at any cost. “We will work together for greater national reconciliation”, Farooq Sattar said and added that establishment of a larger national government is inevitable for which they would have contacts with all the political parties. He said peace and stability and its continuity, promotion of democracy, establishment of a well set politically democratic system, elimination of extremism and terrorism and introduction of fast track social reforms are our priorities. He said Muttahida stands for basic social reforms, end to ad-hocism, complete autonomy to the provinces. Dr Farooq Sattar said the issue of feudalism will also have to be addressed and Muttahida talked about basic reforms, NFC, water reservoirs and greater say of provinces in the federal subjects and their association in decision-making and which is the true democracy. He said the Muttahida has vowed to work for a moderate and democratic Pakistan.
He said the Muttahida would play its role in taking country out of crisis and will work on taking it to an elevated position in the world. Dr Farooq Sattar said even if the Muttahida will be in the opposition, it would force the government in power to pursue this agenda.
He announced Muttahida’s unconditional support and co-operation to all those who would work for the stated priorities and agenda. Dr Farooq Sattar said even in the opposition, the Muttahida will play the role of a healthy opposition and would not waste time by just thumping the desks. “We will do constructive work and make the treasury benches to start work right from first day.”Addressing the press, Babar Khan Ghauri said the Muttahida does not look at the seats won by PML(Q) but their “first day love” with the party will continue in future. He said the Muttahida has won the mandate of the people and if anyone negates this mandate, then he only insults the people. On the occasion, Mushahid Hussain referred to his visit to MQM’s media centre and described it highly impressive with provision of state-of-the-art facilities. Earlier, on arrival at MQM headquarter the PML leaders were welcomed by Dr Farooq Sattar, Anwar Alam, Babar Khan Ghauri, Haider Abbas Rizvi and other members of MQM Rabita Committee. On the occasion a large number of men and women workers of MQM welcomed the visitors with rose petals amidst slogans of Jiay Altaf, Jiay Muttahida and Altaf Hamara Rahbar.
Before the start of formal talks, the visitors had a lunch with Muttahida leaders besides having a telephonic talk with MQM chief Altaf Hussain. After the talks, the MQM leaders left for Islamabad. Earlier before arriving at MQM headquarter, Chaudhry Shujaat along with Mushahid Hussain Sayed and other PML leaders held talks with NPP Chairman Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi at his residence. On the occasion Mustafa Jatoi assured of his full support to PML.