Nawaz lures PML-Q winners to its fold
Bureau Report

LAHORE—The head of PML (N) and former Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif, has said that Musharraf’s qualification for re-election should be reviewed by reinstated (formerly deposed) judges. Addressing a press conference, yesterday he said that PML (N) contested elections, amid volatile conditions, and was happy that masses supported them whole-heartedly, saying that his party would form government in Punjab in consensus with its allies.
He attributed the success of PML (N), PPPP and other anti-Musharraf forces as a result of successful movement by various segments of masses, in face of an all-out rigging effort of government, which commenced “ with disqualification of both us (Sharif) brothers.” Replying to a question, he assured that his party’s agenda remained same, having restoration of democracy, constitution, supremacy of judiciary, immediate release of arrested lawyers and judges and end of army rule in National politics. Replying to another question, he said that the future joint government would Strive for ending all unconstitutional and illegal steps taken by previous government, and also expressed his willingness to hold dialogue any like-minded parties.
Replying to yet another question he said that he would be holding talks with PPPP’s co-chairman, Asif Ali Zardari, and ANP leader Asfandyar Wali for evolving a consensus strategy. Replying to a question about the recent defeat of PML (Q), he said that the defeat was God Almighty’s wrath bestowed on that party, which only God Almighty can spare.
He said that he had held detailed discussion about restoration of deposed judiciary with Asif Ali Zardari and hoped that suggestions floated by him would be accepted. Voicing his complaints about the ongoing rigging against his party Mian Nawaz Sharif still had complaints and he cited various instances to prove his point.
Regarding forming of a joint government, he said that any such decision would be taken, in the meeting to be held in Islamabad, which would be attended by all opposition parties. He termed annulment of the notorious PEMRA rules as conducive steps towards amelioration of media, and said that ending poverty and unemployment were PML (N)’s prime preferences.
He strongly denied that there had been any talks between him and Zardari to nominate Barrister Chaudhry Aitazaz Ahsan as the next PM of the Country, and welcomed the return of leftovers of PML (Q) back to PML (N) ranks. Mian Sahib also invited opposition parties to evolve a mutual strategy for complete elimination of dictatorship from the Country.