The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is waging a just struggle for the supremacy of parliament, independence of judiciary, rule of law and strengthening of democratic institutions in the country. Sources in the PML-N told Business Recorder that the PML-N leadership believes that Charter of Democracy (CoD) signed between Mian Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto provides solution to all the problems confronting the country.
The PML-N Central Secretary General, International Affairs, Sheikh Kaiser Mehmood called for taking urgent steps to strengthen the parliamentary system so as to effectively face the challenges being faced by the country. He said that the PPP should take steps to scrap article 58-2B and other undemocratic amendments from the constitution as per its promises made to ensure supremacy of the parliament.
He underlined the need for ridding the country of policies of former President, Pervez Musharraf and said that there was no logic in continuing his controversial policies. Further, he underlined the need for promoting politics of principles in the country to effectively tackle problems facing the country.
'The PML-N Chief, Mian Nawaz Sharif has been playing an important role in promoting constructive politics in the country,' he added. Mehmood also said that the politicians, who change their stance time and again and do not honour promises, must change their 'political philosophy' and adopt positive approach. He said late Benazir was fully aware of importance of agreements among political forces and if she were alive today, all deposed judges including the Chief Justice, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhery would have been reinstated.
'Whole nation accepts Iftikhar as Chief Justice of Pakistan and there is no legal value of the statement made by the ruling party,' he said. Further, he said that decisions regarding future of the nation and the country must not be taken on the basis of personal liking and disliking asserted that Pakistan cannot afford any more extra constitutional and anti-federation step.'
The Secretary General, PML-N, Saudi Arabia, Chaudhery Saeed Ahmad Jutt said that the PML-N believes in politics of principles and cannot compromise on important national issues. If Benazir were alive, she would have honoured all commitments made to the PML-N including charter of democracy, he said, adding that Benazir was fully aware of importance of agreements among political parties.
About parting ways with the PPP, he said, 'The PML-N was left with no choice but to quit the coalition after the President, Asif Ali Zardari not only failed to honour agreements for restoration of judges, but went to the extent of ridiculing the same.'
He criticised the Governor Punjab for his statement against the PML-N and said it is reflective of his arrogance but he must not forget the disgrace Musharraf has met due to his haughty attitude. Further, he said that the country is passing through critical juncture and the PPP must avoid creating new disputes.
The Vice President, PML-N women's wing Punjab. Zaib Jaffar said that the PPP has disappointed masses by not honouring promises including pertaining independence of judiciary. 'Had the PPP not indulged in foul play to come to power, national institutions of judiciary and parliament would not have been weakened,' she opined.
Underling the need for strengthening parliamentary form of government, she said it was essential for promotion of democracy and Zardari would have to give some of his office powers to the elected parliament. She said the PPP would have to account for, if it failed to strengthen democracy and economy of the country as only those countries of the world have made progress, where institutions are strong but not the individuals.
Zaib further said that only strong and sovereign parliament could help steer the country out of crisis by ensuring peace and stability. If the PPP government takes steps as per the CoD and Murree Declaration, all problems facing the country would be resolved.
In addition, she said rule cannot be saved for long by using negative tactics and the PPP would lose credibility, if it fails to restore 1973 constitution as on October 12, 1999 position. She maintained that after objectives resolution, 1973 Constitution is guarantee of integrity and solidarity of the country.
Terming the 17th amendment and 58-2B as blemish on democracy, she said all remnants of Musharraf will have to be done away to ensure that fruits of democracy reach people. Another PML-N leader, MPA Ramzan Siddiq Bhatti said that Punjab CM has the vision and ability to overcome crisis.
'Reforms introduced by Punjab government in education; health and agri-sectors would go a long way in providing relief to the masses,' he said adding that Zardari has not accepted peoples' mandate and even today national leaders like Nawaz and Shahbaz are being victimised.
The former Media Secretary, PML-N Punjab, Muhammad Nasir Iqbal Khan said remarked that like Shahbaz other CMs should also take steps and work hard for providing relief to the people. Shahbaz is endeavouring for removing the eight years deprivations of the people and his determination is commendable, he added claiming that fruits of developments are reaching to the people due to concrete efforts being made by Punjab CM.