Babar Awan meets Parveiz Elahi

[Lahore_Real_Estate]

LAHORE (October 26, 2010) : In the backdrop of manifold challenges confronted to the country, national reconciliation is the only way forward while both the Pakistan People's Party and Pakistan Muslim League-Q have unanimous views on national and democratic issues.

This was stated by Federal Law Minister, Babar Awan, while talking to media men after a meeting with PML-Q senior leader and former Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Parveiz Elahi at his Gulberg residence here on Monday. During the meeting, various matters of mutual interest, including country's political and economic situation, governance issues, affairs of PML-N led Punjab government and future relations between the two parties came under discussion, sources told Business Recorder.

According to them, the meeting lasted for about an hour during which two rounds of talks were held. In the first round, Babar Awan discussed different issues with PML-Q leader along with PPP leaders Mushtaq Awan, Haji Aziz-ur-Rehman Chan, Mian Shamas and Zikriya Butt. Chaudhry Parveiz Elahi was assisted by Opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly Chaudhry Zaheer Uddin, Chaudhry Akram and Chaudhry Wajahat Hussein. Later both the leaders held one-and-one meeting in which, according to sources, future relations between the two parties were discussed.

The sources claimed that Chaudhry Zaheer Uddin apprised Babar Awan about various issues about PML-N-led Punjab government that has rendered the most prosperous province bankrupt. According to sources, the PML-Q leadership had given a clear message to the PML-N leadership that option is still open for the party of joining hands with the PPP, if no headway was made for different factions of Muslim League. Later talking to reporters, Babar Awan told reporters that government and opposition were part of the parliament, their role may be different, but their objective is the same.

He was of the view that there is no room for stubborn attitude in politics and there must be respect for all parties whether inside or outside the parliament. He said the PML-Q was one of the main stakeholders in the country's politics. "We have unanimity of views on issues of national interests," he said, adding: "Culture of tolerance and dialogue is a way forward for the people of Pakistan".

Babar Awan said, "We used to meet with leaders of PML-Q and recently a meeting was held with Chaudhry Shujaat Hussein". The objective of these meetings is to give hope to the nation and positive sign is that political parties are now focusing on public issues, he said. He added that these meetings would continue in future too.

He further said the PPP had met each and every party in the country. "We went to Mansoora and met the leadership of Jamaat-e-Islami. We also met with politicians in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa," he added. When asked as to whether the agenda of the PPP was being changed, Awan said people of Pakistan had given a right to a democratic government to complete its term of five-year. However, he said those who could not hold Local Bodies polls are asking for holding mid-term polls. He said bringing an in-house change is democratic way and those desirous for change can adopt this option.

He further said there was nothing final in politics. He further said that democracy and disappointment are two opposite words. There was a vibrant parliament in the country, hence, no room for disappointment, he added. Answering another question, Babar Awan said politically conscious people of the country always give votes on an agenda of a political party. Nevertheless, democracy is name of futuristic approach.

About bankruptcy in Punjab, he agreed with the contents of a question posed by a reporter about poor financial health of the Punjab province. He did not reply to the query that President Asif Ali Zardari in 2008 elections had termed PML-Q as "Qatil League."

PML-Q leader Chaudhry Parveiz Elahi said that his party is ready to talk with anybody on national issues. He said the country was facing difficult situation, hence, every body should sit together to steer the country out of present crises.

Elahi said his party had supported the government on 18th Amendment and other issues of national importance, including terrorism. He said the government needs to perform better, as it would help strengthen democracy in the country. About unification of different factions of Muslim League, Elahi said Chaudhry Shujaat Hussein and Mushahid Hussein Syed met Pir Sahib Pagara. "Our stance is clear that those who formed PML (Like Minded Group) must return to the party fold. There were only three Muslim Leagues, ie PML, PML-N and Functional Muslim League, he added. He said his party is a national party having roots all over the country. "We want that the present government should complete its term of five years and perform better for the well being of countrymen".