Responding to a question by Javed Chaudhry, Shujaat said if it is a matter of national interest, everything - ego, enmity, grudge and rivalry - should be forgotten.
A strong ally of PAT’s Tahirul Qadri, Shujaat said the government will have to go in the first phase, “all other things will be discussed later.” Their one year’s performance is visible. The N League has destroyed the economy, mishandled foreign relations and mismanaged governance, Shujaat said.
The foremost demand of the marchers as they sit down in Islamabad will be resignation of the government. To a question as to how the government would cede to the demand, the army marches in, the Parliament passes vote of no confidence or the premier resigns under pressure, Shujaat said, “Wait and see as the situation unfolds.” He categorically denied making way for a martial law. On the form of the government if the current one is toppled, the PML-Q chief said he would prefer a national government rather than a government of technocrats.
Only a political government can resolve political issues, he said affirming that the army, judiciary and technocrats cannot resolve political matters.
When asked if all parties also include PML-N, Shujaat said, if N-League earnestly comes forward to work for greater national interest, it would be welcomed. “National interest is above personal enmities and grudges,” he said replying to a question if he was willing to work with Nawaz and Shahbaz.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 16th,2014.
COMMENTS (19)
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What a laugh.hehehe..when was the last time a politician worked in the national interest. Mr Shujaat thinks we are fools.
@Karachi Wally: What you don't understand is that Pakistan's people have matured. Like many I too had a soft spot for Imran Khan but now I see he is not fit to govern. He is simply a sore loser. Tell me honestly, do you really think recounting the elections will make a big difference? Maybe 10 or tops 15 seats will be reassigned but the result would be the same. Is this worth destabilizing a country and tampering with the early democratic transition that has taken root in Pakistan? The last year has seen Pakistan's economy and media coverage in the world improve - apart from this current instability. Moreover the nation is defeating criminals in the border area who are responsible for terrorism. My guess is that the work being done by an elected government scares some quarters in Pakistan. Fortunately the silent majority of Pakistanis understand that unlawful take overs and creating unrest is not the way for a nation to develop. We have all seen what happened in Libya, Egypt, Syria and Iraq. Pakistanis do not wish to see the same anarchy. Imran Khan has shown his immaturity by engaging in rabble rousing instead of trying to work within the system and work to have himself re elected through lawful means.
Ok Mr. Chaudhry now that PAT left you wondering and PTI was a complete failure in its march with getting just 20-30 thousand people you want to work with Sharifs. I don’t think Nawaz Sharif is going any where and I don’t think he needs your help. PMLN will complete its tenure. Unfortunately, Imran’s politics may be dead in Punjab now. If he is not able to get crowd moving now, I think it is over for him.
Let me tell you all especially current marchers, I visited Lahore after may be 15 years and I saw what was unthinkable. I was surprised to learn that rich and poor are behind Sharifs. Personally, I had a soft spot for Imran khan and never cared much about Sharifs. Today by reading, learning and after seeing with my own eyes, I think imran and qadri are not sincere to pakistan. Imran needs some political know how. Here is my prediction any fair election held after today, imran will hardly be able to get even 10 seats. He really messed up. Most of the Pakistanis are ignorant but they may not be that stupid. I never think qadri even a legitimate player in the political game. The power of chaudhris ended after zahoor elahi, current remnants are just trying to servive by any non democratic rope.
What Shujaat and What Pervaiz Illahi!!?? These corrupt characters have no following no worth in the eyes of the people yet they are sticking to Qardri and Imran Khan hoping to carve out some place in government for them to loot further and to protect their corruption wealth stashed in and out of the country.
Considering 48 hours of march drill, extreme weather, state terrorism by PMLN jiyalas and Butts and police terrorism against women, elderly and children, it is extremely surprising that yet around 32 Thousand people actually marched and reached Islamabad. I think PTI is not far from conquering the minds and hearts of good 70 percent population of Pakistan. Bad show PMLN!
These political orphans indicate which side wind is blowing. Imran and fake revolutionary thug have become history and Chaudhrys of Gujrat are looking for new masters.
SEE who is talking....
"I don't want breakfast. I need crowds !" Ch.Shujaat ran into the arms of Nawaz Sharif as soon as he heard those words from Imran Khan's mouth.
IS HE GET ANY "MINISTERY" OFFER FROM PML(N)?(PAKISTANI POLITICS ND POLITICIANS)
Ch Shujaat, who ?!
Correction: *in OUR OWN interest.
I cannot believe that the turncoat Chowdhary Shujaat is even taken seriously. He should be doing stand-up comedy.
With politicians such as these.......we really need no enemies.
The Chaudries, IK, Qadri et al are wrong in the extreme. To demonstrate peacefully against corruption or non governance as they claim without any proof, so far populist accusations without basis, is one thing. To disrupt life for the people of Islamabad including government, making demands that are against the constitution of the country such as the resignation of an elected PM is laughable if the consequences of this march were not so critically harmful to Pakistan in every sense.
The economy is losing billions of rupees daily thanks to the instability. While police forces are concentrated for the protection of the masses in Islamabad and public property, terrorists against whom a war is being fought will take advantage to move into urban areas. And the precedent is set to take the law into one's own hand, making demands as ridiculous as IK and company, leading easily influenced masses to show goonda strength. It was shocking to see the men, practically all armed with sticks... who knows what else they carry.
The issues IK has ought to be taken up in parliament, rather than ask for the impossible, at this march insist corruption, rigging of certain constituencies or what ever other complaints he has, be addressed in parliament in a serious manner... He is wrong, and more so Hashmi who was addressing his ego by calling him PM IK - what a collection of madmen.... The world must laugh at such, yet it is a very grave situation. Think for once first and foremost of the nation's interests instead of personal sick egos...
Surprise surprise PMLQ trying to join another government. They would willing work with any one who was in power even aliens. PMLQ what a joke sad attempt by a failed party to Come to power
Ha ha ha, Stay there, this nation does NOT need you.
Ok Mr. Chaudhry now that PAT left you wondering and PTI was a complete failure in its march with getting just 20-30 thousand people you want to work with Sharifs. I dont think NS is going any where and I dont think he needs your help. PMLN will complete its tenure. Unfortunately, Imran's politics may be dead in punjab now. If he is not able to get crowd moving now, I think it is over for him. Long Live PMLN.