Chairman of Pakistan Muslim League PML-Q like-minded group Hamid Nasir Chattha on Thursday warned the government that the whole democratic system would derail if timely steps were not taken to protect the system. Chattha said that in case of any harm to the democratic system, the rulers would be held responsible, adding that leading a party was far more different than officiating as a head of state.
Addressing a press conference after the party's Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting, he said that institutions are more important than individuals and individuals should present them for trail if needed. Chattha advised the ruling coalition to be prepared for a 'sacrifice' to save the democratic system and hinting that this might even happen before Eid-ul-Azha.
"In my view, the rulers are not willing to scrap the controversial NRO and are pretty determined to table another version of it (NRO) before the Parliament," said Chattha. Other party leaders including party President Salim Saifullah Khan, Khurshid Kasuri, Humayun Akhtar Khan and Kashmala Tariq were also present on the occasion.
Chattha said that whatever the hurdles President Zardari was facing were created due to his reluctant behaviour as he on one side is the co-chairman of his party and on the other President of the country and thus things are turning gradually against the him (President). While advising Zardari to relinquish one office, Chattha said that now Zardari has to decide about either to lead his party or be the president of Pakistan. Asked whether his party would welcome midterm polls if the incumbent system is destabilised, Chattha said his party's first priority would be to save the democratic system. We would accept even mid-term polls if asked to save the system, he added.
He said the US administration influence on Pakistani policy making had increased to an alarming extent and the Pakistan government should be cognisant of the situation and measures should be taken to safeguard the national interests. Chattha said his party members were extremely concerned over the country's deteriorating political situation which was a result of blunders made by the Musharraf government and present rulings party.
Commenting on the current political situation he said that neither the ruling party fulfilled the promises made to their voters nor did they bother to materialise the promises made to their coalition partners, consequently Zardari is facing the music.
President PML-Q like-minded Group, Senator Salim Saifullah Khan said he had questioned MNA Riaz Fatyana for alleged violation of party policy over NRO and Fatyana had assured him to that they would follow the party policy. He said the party would be reorganised at the grass roots level in all four provinces.
Khurshid Kasuri said the government should ask Obama administration to cater the interests of Pakistan while reviewing the Afghan policy. He said the US President should ask India to stop interfering in Pakistan's internal matters and for increasing Indian involvement in Balochistan and Fata.
While rejecting the impression that PML-led government had allowed US to carry out drone attacks in Pakistani territory, Kasuri said previous government had protected country's interests and even US envoy was summoned to foreign office when drones attacked inside Pakistan.