Confrontation not a good omen for democracy, says Shujaat
Staff Report

ISLAMABAD—PML-Q and its allied parties have warned any confrontation with president Pervez Musharraf will not be good omen for democratic institutions. The warning was voiced by the speakers in the luncheon of PML-Q and its allied parties in a local hotel Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion PML-Q president Chaudhry Shujaat said they would have no objection if MQM becomes part of Sindh government by respecting popular mandate Get together of PML-Q, PPP (Sherpao) and MQM is aimed at giving the message to the power sharing parties that “ we were united and will remain united. “We will not make any compromise on party interests and will take part in positive politics by sitting on opposition benches. We will not resort to desk thumping. We will resist what is wrong and will support and vote for what is right
MQM deputy convener Dr Farooq Sattar demanded of the prospective power sharing parties to announce their nominee for the slot of prime minister. President Musharraf should summon national assembly session as soon as possible. “ The winning parties should respect mandate of other parties too. We will force the incoming government to withdraw the hike in petroleum products prices. We will not allow any one to play with our agenda. Former chief minister Punjab Chaudhry Pervez Elahi said elections were held in fair and transparent manner. “We will act as watch dog on the performance of new government. Local bodies are deep rooted and we will not allow any one to abolish them. We will not allow Mian brothers to become Amir ul Momaneen”, he underlined.
PML (Q) President Ch Shujaat Hussain has said that his party and the partners have decided not to form grand opposition and expressed the determination to promote culture of reconciliation and positive politics in the country which is the need of the hour. He was speaking after the parliamentary party meeting of PML (Q) and its allies here on Tuesday. The meeting was attended by PML (Q), MQM, MPL (F) and NPP.
He said PML (Q) will not compromise on the integrity of Pakistan at any cost. He said PML (Q) and its partners will sit in opposition and would help the future government in accordance with the parliamentary norms. He said they would fight against those who will work against the interest of the country.
MQM leader Dr. Farooq Sattar said that his party will work together with PML (Q) and for the strengthening of the country. He said he will welcome any step to be taken for national reconciliation. He said the elections were held in free, fair and peaceful manner and urged the need to continue the peaceful atmosphere in the country.
He asked the winning parties to form the government and end uncertainty and assured his party’s full support to the democratic system. He demanded to nominate someone for the slot of Prime Minister. He also demanded to immediately summon the National Assembly Session.
Dr. Farooq Sattar said that we respect the mandate of the winning parties, but they should also respect our mandate. He said we in the opposition will play constructive role and will help and guide the government. He said the forthcoming Assembly should complete its five year term.
PML Punjab Chapter President Chaudhry Pervez Elahi said we will set a new tradition in political culture and will talk on issues. He said we during the past five years we remained focused on the welfare of the people and did not victimize the opponents. He asked the new government to honour the commitment made with the people.
PML-F leader (Retd) Justice Abdur Razaq Tahim said that we as coalition partners served this country for five years and will remain united in future. He said we lost the elections due to our failures. PML (Q) leader from Balochsitan Seantor Naseer Mangel said the people of Balochistan have reposed full confidence in the leadership of Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain his won majority of seats in the provinces.