Shujaat wants ban on rallies
Staff Report

ISLAMABAD—The president of PML (Q), and former PM, Chaudhry Shujaat has said that no one can be specifically blamed for recent murderous Karachi attacks.
Speaking to a private TV channel he flatly denied having any knowledge about three suspect names handed over to President Musharraf by Benazir Bhutto, nor can he lay his finger on any suspect.
He termed the murderous happening as an act of God Almighty which “should be best forgotten (!) “ Replying to a question he stressed on a non-military solution of Waziristan issue, for which all political forces should tackle jointly. He also stressed on remedies and reform of all the ills and negative trends that have surfaced in the last couple of years, and opined that even if the fact about the attack being suicidal was established, it would hardly make any difference.
He termed the Benazir’s rally as nothing more than show of power by her party, and while commenting on any verdict of Supreme Court regarding President Musharraf, he said that should any decision come against the President, than the government would exercise other available options, and said that President Musharraf has been elected by four Provincial assemblies.
The Prime Minister was talking to the Ch. Shujaat Hussain, President PML andChief Minister Punjab, Ch. Pervaiz Elahi, in a meeting held at the residenceof Ch. Shujaat Hussain here today. Governor Punjab, Lt Gen. Retd. KhalidMaqbool was also present on the occasion.
The government, he said, recognizes and respects the legitimate role of theopposition in a democratic dispensation and appreciates its contributions infurthering and cementing the process of democratization in the country.
The Prime Minister said that the ruling coalition encourages differentpoints of view but at the same time the coalition partners are committed topromoting the process of democracy and development in order to ensurecontinuity and consistency of policies which have benefited the country and enabled it to proceed on the path of growth, prosperity and harmony.
The Prime Minister said that due to successful economic policies of the government more resources have been made available to the provinces than ever before. He expressed his satisfaction over the pace of implementation of development projects all over the country which has remarkably accelerated, particularly in the province of the Punjab. The Prime Minister said that the reform agenda introduced by the government focuses on transferring the benefits of high economic growth to the masses.
Ch. Shujaat Hussain condemned the terrorist act of Karachi and stressed that the culprits be brought to justice.
The Chief Minister briefed the Prime Minister about PML matters in theprovince and said that the party has never been more united and vibrant in the province. He said that the enrolment drive is in full swing and its popularity is rapidly increasing due to the policies of the government.
The Chief Minister also briefed the Prime Minister about the law and order situation in the province.
The meeting was also attended by Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Mr. Tariq Azeem Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Commander (Retd.) Khalil ur Rehman and Minister of Communication and Works Punjab, Ch. Zaheer Ahmed.