PML-Q rejects impression of joining government if PML-N quits

04 Aug, 2008

The Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) has rejected the impression to join the government in case the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) failed to motivate PML-N, the major coalition partner, for reviewing its decision in a last ditch effort at its Tuesday's meeting.
However, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) hinted at joining the coalition government in centre in case PML-N quits the government. PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari has convened the meeting with PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday in a bid to motivate him about rejoining the cabinet and intact the coalition by adopting a middle way, which seems very difficult for the latter due to its inflexible stance on some of the core national issues.
Talking to Business Recorder, PML-Q Information Secretary Tariq Azeem on Monday said that his party has already decided that it would not be part of the government in centre and the Punjab, as the coalition partner, particularly the PPP, has miserably failed to deliver the masses due to its unilateral decisions on the major issues.
"It is not possible that PML-Q would fill the gap in the coalition after parting ways by the PML-N, as it would not be easy to go ahead with the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) due to existence of what he termed a 'civilian dictatorship' within the PPP", he maintained.
The existing partners of the coalition have a number of reservations about the leading ruling partner and his party would not afford to receive mere allegations to join the government at this stage, said Tariq.
"We have decided from the day one that our party would sit on the opposition benches and play an active role", he recalled.
Meanwhile, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Information Secretary Syed Haider Abbas Rizvi said that his party is in favour of remaining the existing coalition intact, at the same time. He said it could not be ruled out that the MQM would not join the coalition government at any time ahead as it was among the possibilities.
However, he said that his party would suggest the present coalition partners to play their positive role, address the issues, and not derail the democratic process.
Meanwhile, the PML-N has also convened a meeting of its parliamentary party and Central Executive Council in Lahore on Monday to chalk out a plan to be discussed with the PPP co-chairman as well as would evolve a future line of action.

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