'Pakistan Muslim League Functional (PML-F) has rejected the much-publicised ruling of PML merger, saying it will maintain its identity as a separate entity. "From day one, we were for unification and not merger. We are very clear about this," ruling PML Senior Vice President Sultan Mahmood said.
Talking to Business Recorder, he said PML Functional contested the elections as a separate party with a symbol and we will maintain our identity at all costs.
He lashed out at the Muslim League leadership, saying all decisions regarding the office-bearers was unilaterally taken. Likewise, he described the present party set up as a cruel joke and said never in any country, a political entity had as many as 18 vice presidents. "We ask the PML head under what rules, this unprecedented amendment has been made in the Muslim League rules," he said.
As a mark of protest, 'PML President' Pir Pagara refused to meet Premier Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, citing health problems last week and hours later, had tea with his friends and party workers. Interestingly, he held discussions with Prime Minister-in-Waiting Shaukat Aziz.
"We are registered with the Election Commission as PML-F. We will not accept any merger in the name of unification," the veteran Muslim league leader said.
PML, led by self-styled Pir Pagara, is not happy with the way things are shaping up vis-à-vis the ruling PML and has voiced its concern over what it called unilateral decision of 'PML-Q' to merge with other League factions, the National Alliance. Sources said that on the day of formal announcement that Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain would lead the new PML, PML-F had declined to dissolve its general council and the central executive committee at the ruling party Central Secretariat.
When his attention was drawn towards the new constitution of the ruling PML, Sultan Mahmood said that they did not accept any constitution other than his own party's.
Meanwhile, sources said that PML-F leader Sultan Mahmood wrote to Prime Minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and the Election Commission, reminding them about their party's identity.
A copy of the letter made available to Business Recorder requested the Chief Election Commissioner to maintain the independent status of PML-F.