Asif, Nawaz, Asfandyar pledge joint struggle
By Our Special Correspondent

ISLAMABAD—PPP, PML-N and ANP have announced to wage joint struggle for end to dictatorship, restoration of constitution and judiciary and elimination of army role from politics. This was said by Asif Ali Zardari, Mian Nawaz Sharif and Asfand Yar Wali while addressing luncheon hosted here for newly elected members of national assembly.
Asif Ali Zardari held country was passing through a critical phase. All the democratic forces should come forward and consolidate democracy, he stressed. “We will continue our struggle for end to dictatorship and restoration of democracy, he announced. Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal had dreamt dream of transforming Pakistan into greater state and “ we are striving for translating it into reality”, he remarked.
He went on to say heavy responsibility rested with Mian Nawaz Sharif and Asfand Yar Wali for revival of democratic order. “We together will pull out the country from the prevailing morass. Today’s session opens a new chapter of democracy and hope. The sacrifice rendered by Benazir Bhutto will ever be remembered and we stand by charter of democracy to realize the mission of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto”, he remarked.
PML-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif said PPP, PML-N and ANP will cooperate each other beyond their personal interests. “We will restore constitution of 1973 to its true spirit and will not support November, 3 steps. We are enjoying support of 171 members. President Musharraf should summon assembly session forthwith”, he demanded. “Our agenda is very clear. End to dictatorship and restoration of constitution and judiciary is our first priority. We all here have only one message for President Musharraf that he should resign immediately. ANP president Asfandyar Wali Khan said no compromise will be made on the principles. Shahadat of Benazir Bhutto is great tragedy. People have given their verdict on February, 18, he announced. Mian Nawaz Sharif and Asfand Yar Wali Khan held one on one meeting here in the luncheon hosted by Asif Ali Zardari in connection with show of power. Both the leaders exchanged views on different issues with reference to formation of government. Sources told Mian Nawaz Sharif briefed Asfand Yar Wali Khan his party priorities pertaining to restoration of constitution, judiciary and judges. Asfand Yar Wali Khan appreciated the priorities set by Nawaz Sharif and held out assurance to him of his full support. It may be recalled no formal meeting was held between Mian Nawaz Sharif and Asfand Yar Wali Khan after elections.
Opposition parties which inflicted a crushing defeat on President Pervez Musharraf’s allies in last week’s election vowed on Wednesday to banish the military from politics.
At a show of strength gathering attended by 171 National Assembly members-elect, they also called on President Pervez Musharraf to immediately summon parliament so they can show they have the majority needed to choose the next prime minister.