MMA dismisses Govt dialogue offer
Staff Report

ISLAMABAD—Muttahida Majlis Amal (MMA) has expressed its clear-cut stance that it will not support the ruling government including President Gen Pervez Musharraf as any kind of negotiations, with the incumbent government, will be proved fruitless, in the prevalent political situation of the country.
While addressing a press conference, at the end of session of the Supreme Council of MMA, the chairman of MMA Qazi Hussain Ahmad, who also chaired the session, and Maulana Fazlur Reham have expressed their resolve against the presidential election. ‘It does not make a difference for MMA, whether President Musharraf will contest election with or without uniform’.
The opposition leader Maulana Fazlur Reham has imparted that MMA will not endorse presidential elections. The ruling government has spoiled the environment of the whole state. MMA will not become a party in any constitutional amendment driven by president Musharraf. “If, ruling government wants to engage in negotiations, then, it has to contact with the MMA rather any single party. As, negotiations, with a one party of the MMA, will never bring fruits”, religious leader told.
He stated that MMA would receive exiled former premier of Pakistan Mian Nawaz Sharif, in a due way, on 10th September. However, he asserted that there is no space for Mss Bhutto in ‘All Parties Democratic Movement (APDM)’. Amir Jamaat-e-Islami Qazi Hussain Ahmad imparted that President Gen Pervez Musharraf had, now, entered in a close-ended street. ‘Musharraf has an option, but to leave the government’. Manifesto Committee of MMA has approved new agenda of alliance. However, General Council has, still, to approve this agenda, he told.
“We will select our election candidates, on merit. In this regard, we have asked our party district bearers to submit the names of interesting candidates, till 10th September”, he added.
President MMA Qazi Hussain Ahmad has announced the firm resolve of MMA to have no contacts with government in any individual or collective stance. Talking to journalists before the inaugural of his just released publication, he also announced that MMA would always take a collective decision regarding any stance from own platform, and has finally and firmly decided not to vote for President Musharraf with or without uniform.
He also announced the firm decision of MMA to accord a rousing welcome to former PM, Mian Nawaz Sharif upon his arrival at the Islamabad International Airport on 10th Sep, and said that unity among ranks of MMA exists and would contest elections jointly from this platform. MMA central leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman had to face severe criticism in the religious grouping Supreme Council (SC) meeting here Monday for his secret meetings and back door contacts with the government. Sources told Online Monday several members of SC including Qazi Hussain Ahmad complained that Maulana Fazlur Rehman was trying to lend support to salvage the sinking boat of government.
All these members held that Maulana Fazlur Rehman was engaged in dialogue and meetings with PML-Q president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and the powers those matter . All is not good as it would undermine the unity in the ranks of MMA and would be a bid to strengthen general Musharraf when the latter had already deceived religious grouping.
Sources informed Maulana Fazlur Rehman took defensive position saying he had not held out any assurance for cooperation to government in these meetings and any dialogue with government would take place on MMA platform in future. Maulana Fazlur Rehman assured he would not meet any ruling part leader in his individual capacity.
Sources pointed out MMA senior vice president professor Sajid Mir complained that MMA particularly Jamaat-e-Islami was launching road caravan without taking him into confidence, therefore, he was not participating in the march. “I should be informed in advance in this regard”, he held.
Professor Sajid Mir also demanded that decision for fielding candidates in upcoming general elections be taken by assessing the position of all the component parties and no decision be taken without taking the component parties into confidence. If favorites are awarded tickets then the smaller parties would oppose it, he cautioned.