The like-minded group of PML-Q Wednesday demanded of the Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to step down, setting precedence for others as member of the party that claims itself champion of democracy. "The government has lost the required majority so the prime minister should submit his resignation to the Speaker National Assembly, as it is in the spirit of democracy," said Salim Saifullah Khan, head of PML-Q like-minded group.
However, in negation to the democratic norms the government has started approaching even those once dubbed by it as 'Qatil' League (PML-Q) in a desperate attempt to keep things in tact, he said. "The time for change has come," he added. Lamenting the rampant corruption at top level, he enumerated challenges being faced by the country and said price hike, law and order, financial woes are beyond government's control. We have grave concerns as far as current political situation of the country is concerned, he added.
When asked about his party's stance on moving 'no confidence' motion, Salim Saifullah referred to nominal presence of his party in the assembly and said 'ask Nawaz Sharif to bring 80 men for the task and we will give him support of our eight members.' Like other political parties, the like-minded faction of PML-Q made the announcement after holding a meeting of its Central Executive Committee (CEC).
The meeting was attended by Humanyun Akhar Khan, Gohar Ayub Khan, Kashmala Tariq and Kabir Wasti. Addressing the press conference, Salim Saifullah censured the PML-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif for giving an ultimatum to government. It is the duty of the opposition to bring a move of no confidence, however the announcement by the PML-N chief suggests that his party is an ally of the government, he said.
"It would be naïve to expect something from this weak government which failed to deliver in last three years," he added. Earlier on Tuesday, the PML-N had announced a nine-point agenda for the government and had given 72-hours to respond in 'yes' or 'no'. This deadline was later extended by three days in the wake of assassination of Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer.
After the departure of JUI-F and the MQM from the government the beleaguered Prime Minister is approaching to the political leadership of the country irrespective of the past relations, to save his government. Since it is a season of establishing contacts with political forces, Salim Saifullah Khan said that we have not closed our doors for any party if it could help overcome crises being faced by the country. 'Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has approached me for a meeting as well,' he disclosed.
Salim Saifullah Khan also hinted at introducing the 20th Constitutional Amendment and said the country needs establishment of small provinces at this juncture. He also censured the unlimited powers entrusted to a party head through the 18th Amendment and termed it a move to promote civilian dictators.