Pakistan

Chaudhrys in new League with Pir Pagara

Chaudhry Shujaat and Pir Pagara announce unification, formation of APML.

Express September 19, 2010

KARACHI:

Two factions of the Pakistan Muslim League, one led by Chaudhry Shujaat Hussein and the other led by Pir Pagara, on Saturday announced their merger under the banner of the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML). The unified entity has installed Pir Sahib Pagara in the role of leader.

The decision was taken in a meeting between PML-F chief Pir Pagara, PML-Q president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and its secretary-general Mushahid Hussain. “It is not a unification but an assimilation of the Muslim League,” Pagara told journalists at his residence in Karachi.

Pagara claimed that all differences of opinion have been resolved between the two factions of the Muslim League. There is no issue left [unsolved] now between Chaudhry Shujaat and I,” he said.

“All factions of the Muslim League have been invited to unite on one platform of the All Pakistan Muslim League,” Pagara said after the meeting. “Everyone is welcome to join the party, including PML-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif, but he (Sharif) has not made any contact in this regard,” Pagara said. He also advised Tehrik-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan to either join the APML or risk political isolation. “The next government will be ours,” a confident Pagara said. The present situation, according to Pagara, is more revolutionary than any revolution.

In response to a question about the role of the army, he said that the armed forces would continue to play their customary role. “The army’s existence is within our ranks,” he said.

Speaking at the occasion, Shujaat said: “We want Pir Pagara to lead our party. Pakistan is passing through a critical phase and we can come out of this critical juncture under the leadership of Pir Pagara. Reunification of PML factions is critically needed now than ever before.”

The country, according to him, has been brought to the edge of a precipice. “Now if the patriots do not come forward, then God know what will happen to the country,” he said.

Offering a formal response of his party, PML-N spokesperson Ahsan Iqbal said: “This has no significance for the future of politics in Pakistan because PML-Q and PML-F, which were both partners with General Pervez Musharraf have gone through similar exercises in the past. This is just a replay of past political dramas.”

Iqbal pointed out that the politics of mergers and coalitions rarely worked. “Therefore, for some time now the PML-N has followed a policy of maintaining its identity,” said Iqbal.

(With additional input from Online)

Published in The Express Tribune, September 19th, 2010.

COMMENTS (42)

Dr. Mohammad Afzal Khan | 13 years ago | Reply The plan seems to be like this: Group them: Hijack MQM from Altaf Hussain and hand it over to Musharraf Combine all Muslim Leagues except PMLN Make a deal with ANP and the Mulla (JUI-F) Make a deal with other smaller groups like TI etc And make a deal with the old ally Zardari Only opposition: PMLN and perhaps JI Musharraf comes back and have elections Make a government with thumping majority Play as the Bosses please! Mian brothers....... back to pavilion (Saudi Arabia) !

Copper | 13 years ago | Reply Muschi lover are crying as if Pervez Musharraf was very creative when choosing this name..Muschi should offer them to head this party, after all he was their leader just few years ago who hand-picked them to support him

VIEW MORE COMMENTS

Sher Saddozai | 13 years ago | Reply The time calls to oust the PPP imbecile leaders .. And information is key to unity and ofcourse for a election Sulutions will become eveident... Zia Ul Haque's Shura's hypocrisy is now not a challenge!

Silent Spectator | 13 years ago | Reply I think they should be allowed to name it APML (All Pervez Musharraf Lovers). I see no harm since they were all at one point or another in cahoots with Pervez Musharraf. If you can't beat them, join them ;)

Fasih Ali Khan | 13 years ago | Reply How can they name it ''All Pakistan Muslim League'' it's already being selected by Musharraf.

Karim | 13 years ago | Reply Zero plus Zero = Big Zero

Nasir Khan | 13 years ago | Reply I would like to request to all my fellow countrymen don't get trap with these kind of mergers. Now we should promise to our Motherland that in the next elections we all will bring the new leadership in the country with the power of our votes. We will get rid of Bhuttos, Sharifs, Chaudhries & all those who have looted us in the past.I am very positive that if we stand together and united we will bring the change in our country.

Asmat Jamal | 13 years ago | Reply Its good. All the rotten eggs in a single basket. They should also ask Munawar Hassan and Fazal Ur Rehman to join them

Maz | 13 years ago | Reply Dear all i want to ask one question what has Pir Pagara given to the nation.I dont think by this alliance they are doing any good to Pakistan.Please check how much these people have come forward to help the victims of flood or stood by the people who have suffered injustice for such long years.These are all Waderas and Chowdhrys same like Nawaz Shrif and Bhuttos,they are filling their pockets and will continue doing so as long as we vote them and keep expecting some wisdom out of these people.Please my people pf Pakistan look for people who really can help you and not who always take your precious votes and run away when they are most needed.i cry for my nation,who have such leaders and people are perishing.

Danish | 13 years ago | Reply Same Old wine in really really old bottles, we need fresh minds, young blood and some new ideas. Musharraf should be wise enough not to be part of such a group.

Hammad Mirza | 13 years ago | Reply After all, We wellcome Parvez Musharaf....

SHAHID | 13 years ago | Reply it seems like we have think tanks in this blog who know Paki politics too well but lack lack vision. Imran Khan will never join these crooks unless Pakistan as a nation was to go down the drain due to their foolishness and lack of faith and do a disappearing act. I am amazed that there are still Pakistanis who are willing to go along with Mushi, Chaudharys and Pagaras. Do you really believe that a visionary leadership will come out of these. Very naive of you guys with all due respect. If you ready to be governed by any of them including Sharifs and Buttos, then God help you because you can still not see whats going on in Pakistan and we will all be raised again (obviously if you believe in resurrection) with the ones we supporting now. Good Luck!!!!!!!!

Lutaf Mangrio | 13 years ago | Reply @ Qamer i am disharted by the laungauge u have used for the Spritual Leader of HURs. you are requested to take ur words back, i also request all reader of this page plz make this forum just for discussion not for personel Biasness.

Qamar | 13 years ago | Reply pir pagara and chudaries both are stupid .they are not in the favour of Pakistan

Abdul Rahman Khan | 13 years ago | Reply Chaudhry Shujat husain has always respected Pir Pagara's seniority and whatever position he had or still has in pakistan politics although the latter has used disparaging remarks about chaudhry shujat on various occasions.It is the greatness of chaudhry shujat that he has always ignored those remarks and now sought Pir's political patronage. One should also not expect pir pagara's opposition to the present governement which is now headed by his close relation, Mr yousuf Raza Gilani. (Mr Gilani is son of Pir Pagara's former sister-in-law - Mr Gilani's mother and PP's former wife were real sisteres and makhdoomzada hassan mahmood was their real brother - and also Mr Gilani's son is married to pir pagara's grand daughter.) It's better if Parvez Musharraf's newly born faction of muslim league was also broght into the new fold. Let's hope the merger of the two muslim leagues will help bring some healthy change in the country's politics.

KM | 13 years ago | Reply This is to counter the Sindh Card if ever it comes out at play, specifically when the current government will be cornered for an ouster. Musharaf I believe is history, as the establishment would not like to expose itself, as well as taint it recouped image in the last 2.5 years. If only the head of punjab could strike some sense in him, we will definitely see a change or else he will left out without being in power as well. An opportunity for Imran Khan if he can think of joining hands, provided Musharaf isnt there in this party ever. MQM in any case will be in power, and for that they make good decisions at all the right times. ANP will be a ligical fit for APML, and there will be many defuncts to join them as well. Thanks to zaradari for crippling his father in law's party to utter shame and disgust. No doubt democracy is the best revenge, but from whom? And for our Pakistanis, it is high time you should realize that selling your vote is like selling your soul for the next 5 years. If a mere Rs.200/= is the worth of your vote, then you should might as well commit suicide and save the country from rascals, who you vote for.

Shani Syed | 13 years ago | Reply Pir Pagara has been their since as long as I can remember... He was my grand father's friend since the time Pakistan was united EAST and West...He wasfamous while Awami National Party was in Sindh my grand father Advocate S. Abu Asim (May Allah give him a place in Jannat Ameeen) was President Sindh of Awami League but later on left it because he was never in favor of breaking the country into two, tried counciling Mujeeb- ur-Rehman as a cose friend but he says The West Pakistan had done too many blundrs and the Bengali's were being ripped off their rights... It is when Pagara uncle told my grand pa the cuntry will be divided in two cause PPP's Zulfiqar will not accept his defeat long before the resuts of the elections were announced and lo! it happened just as he said it will... My point of stating this is that I would not under estimate his experience in Politics his wisdom more over his contacts and strong affinity with the establishment... He can forsee whats happening and knowing him I can say confidently ... some thing is cooking, Pagara sahab can see whats happening in Baluchistan, He can see the Hazara in Khyber Pakhtoon and the turning in Kashmir our govt ignoring and sleeping on it and he knows the days of this ruling party is numbered... Like many of you I am also of the opinion that despite his wealth and wisdom Pir Pagara has almost no contribution in a better Pakistan... but these parties could not have survived individualy... Musharraf is in good books with the Chowdrys and the Pagara I am sure he will squeeze in with them else would be a loner like Imran Khan's Tehreek e Insaaf... The way I see it an interim govt will be formed a care taker set up called in by Judge Iftikhar Chowdry, Mr Kiyani monitoring it and all these people the APML , Awami Muslim league's Rasheed sahab, Tehreek insaaf Imran Khan forming ties with the establishment and perhaps some of the Maulanas and Jamiat Islami being a part of the care taker set up n PPP out of it , depends if PML N joins up, if they do which I dont think they will being a strong party, but you never know... They have joined up with MQM and How can we ignore MQM its definately going to be a part of the next set up. What ever May Allah protect our Pakistan, we are cause its there May allah keep it forever Ameen.

Yousaf | 13 years ago | Reply Pagara turned against Musharraf - don't know how. He is one good friend of Gen. Musharraf. I feel like some big game is going on. Moreover, as said by Mohammad Arif.. The best collision govt can be MQM-Imran Khan and President Musharraf. I am seeing PPP & PML(N) out if the educated community of Pakistan be able to convinced the half of Pakistanis who vote on BIRADARRI system.

Nazir Habib | 13 years ago | Reply Disaster, disaster, disaster from the very onset of the word 'go'. Fooling around unimaginatively, no program for development of the economy or paying of debts, importing US educated finance ministers from IMF,WB and ADB, begging for money all year round and not empowering the FBR to tax the super rich. For sixty three years these jokers, one after the other have been fooling around. Many years ago a hit song hit the charts, 'monkey see, monkey do.' Salams and best wishes.

Jonaid Iqbal | 13 years ago | Reply In this regard, some one might be tempted to recall late Shaheed Suhrawardy's famous line spoken at Muslim Hall, Dacca (nopw Dhaka) in the then East Pakistan, about the sum total of zero. The late Suhrawardy had said ( of a different proposition regarding the hubbab made by Muslim countries, including Pakistan, about Britian's closure of the Suez Canal: 'zero plus zero eqals zero.'

AT | 13 years ago | Reply something like this had to happen..mushi can't do anything without their support on the ground. let's hope this is something positive..anything is better than the current situation.

Jamsheed | 13 years ago | Reply PMLN reaction shows that this may be a plarform being prepared for Musharraf comeback, which I will welcome. We need a party which is better than corrupt PPP and selfish, hypocrite, and dishonest PMLN.

Bored Critic | 13 years ago | Reply How many members does Pir Pagara's league have in it? Seriously, this is a joke. All of these old junkyard dogs should be exiled out of Pakistan. What have either of these gentleman done for this country?

Malik Tabeer | 13 years ago | Reply Now they all should come under Pervez Musharraf leadership and then see PPP and Nawaz coward Drama lolz Malik Tabeer ,Boston USA

Sharjeel | 13 years ago | Reply Its high time now for pmln to form an alliance with JI,JUP,PTI and regional parties of Sindh n Balouchistan,otherwise there votes will be divided n they will struggle to reach islamabad

Liaquat Ali | 13 years ago | Reply @S. Ali Raza Stealing the name has to do with twisting Musharraf's arm into giving these people more say in the party. @Mohammed Arif Yes, Imran Khan, the MQM and Musharraf are natural allies. Throw in the break away non-corrupt politicians from other parties and your have a coalition that can possibly do wonders for Pakistan. However, the name of the game would be to form a government that is able to resist and counter the potential mayhem created by PPP and PML-N.

qasim | 13 years ago | Reply Owais and Amir are perfectly correct. This is the ground base for Musharraf to enter into Pakistani political structure. All in all a very worthy move. PPP and PML(N) are old school parties. Lets the future battle be between PTI and APML :-).

S. Ali Raza | 13 years ago | Reply Actually this really not what the people want. This is just a group that will keep the corrupt under protection. It is impossible to change the system with the same old behind it. Sadly, if Musharraf has to join them at a later stage, then I don't think he will be able to retain his following that he has created up until now. Pakistan needs a new system, and to rid itself of Feudal culture of injustice and corruption which holds zero human value. A Patriot cannot let these people come back again, unless the system has been reformed where they are not able to influence but only serve their voters.

Absar | 13 years ago | Reply We've seen coalitions in the past too. What apparently matters is that how this coalition is going to make any difference in the politics of Pakistan and ultimately for the people of Pakistan. Time will tell.

Syed A. Mateen | 13 years ago | Reply General (R) Musharraf is the one who first declared the name of his political party “All Pakistan Muslim League”. The same name is now been chosen by Pir Sain Pagara PML(F), Chaudhary Shujaat Hussain and Mushahid Hussain of PML(Q) before October 01, 2010 when General (R) Musharraf was supposed to officially announce his political party. This is not fair. Despite merging all Muslim Leagues under one umbrella by Pir Sain Pagara (PML(F) and Chaudhary Shujaat Hussain (PML(Q) the new alliance of various political parties “All Pakistan Muslim League” cannot win the next general elections, no matter how strongly they convince the voters. It is next to impossible to break the vote bank of PPP, PML(N) and MQM in all the four provinces. Had PMLQ) been so important for the voters, they would have elected PML(Q) for the next five years instead of PPP and PML(N). The heroes and heroines have become too old to play a leading role in the new film whose director is Pir Sain Pagara and producer Chaudhary Shujaat Hussain. Finally the film will be flopped by the time when party tickets will be awarded to the candidates. People will see how politicians will change their loyalties over night and before the next general elections. The politicians should keep their fingers cross and time will speak whether merging Muslim Leagues under one umbrella was feasible or not. Changing name of political parties cannot bring the change in the country.

asif | 13 years ago | Reply wow ! anti democratic forces united against democracy.......but i will support general musharaf lolx

Lutaf Mangrio | 13 years ago | Reply It is good sign that Chudhary Shujat has came to meet with Pir Pagara, Pir Sb is always looking forward to unite PML. it would be more better if all these PML work under the leadership of Pir Pagara.

Murtaza Ali Jafri | 13 years ago | Reply who cares? Seriously. Same old faces, new name.

Mussarat Hussain | 13 years ago | Reply Don't worry. Nothing will happen Inshallah. Pakistan will exist Inshallah for ever. All those conspiring against democratic set up will frustrate in their nefarious designs and aspirations. Its horrifying the nation is even not scared of "God's Wrath" despite terrible floodings, earthquake, sialkot and terrifying incidents of Gujrat. It is still high time to mend, otherwise I forsee more horrible situation than 1947. mussarat Washington DC

wasif zia | 13 years ago | Reply it must be done by allthe factions of league,,,as it is requirement of the country to have a strong politcal gp,,,,,

Asad Jamil(mps) | 13 years ago | Reply Hope to get a good political party in Pakistan politics, having some organisation within party and some clear manifesto(always in paper) but our hopes always shattered either in the case of MMA or other coalition formed in Pakistan politics. I agree with this point of MQM that politics in Pakistan is Business in which businessmen invest and get profit.. no one care about people and irony is that the same people elect the same leaders again and again.. This happens only in Pakistan. Pakistan Zindabad

Amir | 13 years ago | Reply There are clear signs that all politicial scenario is going to change soon, preparing ground for Musharraf, as per our history people will welcome him because we are used to fedup soon, we don't have temprament, also the current givt proved to be kicked out. however at the end result people of pakistan will suffer. Because to whom they are going to welcome is living in fools paradise that he has leadership skills, while infact he ruined the real vision of pakistan. What we are reaping today is because of his nonsense actions. Allah bless Pakistan.

Owais | 13 years ago | Reply This was on the cards for a while. There are also reports that some agitated memebers of PML (N) will also join this new Muslim league. All in All a good development.

Mohammed Arif | 13 years ago | Reply Ali Raza is very rightly said that they were very much impressed with the name chosen by Mr. Pervez Musharraf and played a child role of stealing name. Afterall the shown cheap mentality. and they proved non-creative. Just in one meeting with Pir Pagara Ch. Shujat merged in Functional Leage. The best collision govt can be MQM-Imran Khan and President Musharraf.

Bashir A. Malik | 13 years ago | Reply A very welcome move to join various factions of Muslim League. It may bring forth responsible leadership and add stability in the badly fractured political polity. It may hopefully rid the country of self seeking political slogan mongers, ever-promising but do-nothing corrupt-to-the-core plunders and money launders. B.A Malik

S. Ali Raza | 13 years ago | Reply But why APML.. did they run out of names, or just not creative enough? Starting a new merger based on plagiarism shows the nasty intentions. Of course Musharraf did not register the name yet, but that doesn't mean you steal it, and make yourself look like fools right at the beginning of a so called "democratic". Unless Musharraf is also planned to be a part of it later on.

TaHsiN | 13 years ago | Reply Wo ho hoo....hold on...what is going to happen. What are they planning to do....is this another sign of coalition govt?

Replying to X