PML-N can’t afford boycott, says Shujaat
By Saad Saud

ISLAMABAD—President of Pakistan Muslim League (PML), Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain Monday said that PML-N has no justification to boycott the forthcoming general elections as “there is a lot of pressure on them to contest polls.”
“PML-N has been allowed to contest elections and there is no justification of boycott by its leadership,” he told reporters after his meeting with Turkish President Abdullah Gul here. Commenting on rejection of nomination papers of Mian Nawaz Sharif, he said the former prime minister was awarded 14 years imprisonment prior to his exile to Saudi Arabia. “Nawaz filed no appeal in the High Court against the punishment and even did not pursue it and so the sentence is intact,” he added.
Responding to a question, he said only two persons who were not given ticket left PML. About his meeting with the Turkish President, he said that Abdullah Gul emphasized for overall consensus by taking all the political players along. Flanked by Party General Secretary Mushahid Hussain Sayed, he said that Turkey has established that it is a sincere friend and wants stability in Pakistan. He said that President Gul shared his country’s experience regarding transition from military rule to a democratic set up.
American Ambassador in Pakistan Anne W Patterson met former Chief Minsiter and President PML (Q) Punjab Ch.Pervaiz Elahi here Monday and discussed with him matters of mutual interest including prevailing political situation in the country with special reference to next general elections.
The American Ambassador later talking to newsmen said that US want to talk to all political parties in connection with the elections and “ I am meeting leaders of all political parties.” She said during the meeting Ch.Pervaiz Elahi informed her about the political situation in the province.
Chaudhery Pervaiz Elahi talking to media persons said that American Ambassador was appreciative of the development made in different sectors including health,education and infrastructure in the province during PML(Q) rule. To a question, he said, PML(Q) position is very strong and it would win the next election with thumping majority.
He said all political parties should take part in the elections rising above personal interests. He said PML(N) is talking of boycott for face saving as it has neither done homework for elections nor has done anything for the betterment of masses. He said PML(N) leadership want to flee from elections but people would not let it do so.
US Ambassador Anne W Patterson Monday said that the United States wants the election in Pakistan to be free, fair and transparent. Talking to newsmen after meeting ex-Prime Minister and PML(N) Chief Nawaz Sharif at his Raiwind residence here, she hoped that elections would be held in a fair manner, but added that Washington would remain neutral. To a question, she termed doffing of uniform by the President Pervez Musharraf as a good omen for the country.
During the meeting, the former prime Minister elaborated the reasons due to which PML (N) had decided to boycott the elections. Sharif was of the view that without the reinstatement of judges there was no possibility of holding free, fair or transparent elections.