According to sources, while inviting the allies for the meeting, the premier termed Qadri’s sit-in the ‘most serious threat’. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
In response to a turbulent political and security situation in the country, Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf has summoned a meeting of coalition parties today (Thursday).
Leaders from Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)‚ Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM)‚ Awami National Party (ANP)‚ Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) and Balochistan National Party (BNP) will attend the meeting. Mehmood Khan Achakzai, head of Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), is also expected to be in attendance.
Talking to The Express Tribune, officials at the Prime Minister House said Premier Ashraf intends to seek his allies’ final opinion regarding a range of issues, including Minhajul Quran International (MQI) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri’s sit-in, the Supreme Court’s orders for his arrest and the country’s overall security situation.
According to sources, while inviting the allies for the meeting, the premier termed Qadri’s sit-in the ‘most serious threat’. Terming the MQI chief’s demands unconstitutional and unrealistic, he observed that Parliament and the election commission could not be dissolved at “the whims of an institute, much less an individual.” The sources maintained, however, that PM Ashraf did think Qadri’s demands could be fulfilled within constitutional parameters.
Leaders of the allied parties have assured their support to strengthen the democracy and reiterated their resolve to support the government in completing its term. However, while talking to the prime minister, PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain expressed reservations against Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira’s statement that the party did not take the government into confidence regarding his meeting with Qadri, according to sources. Shujaat claimed the meeting was held after taking President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Ashraf into confidence.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 17th, 2013.
COMMENTS (3)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
@Dr.A. K.Tewari: So, are we chosing between Taliban & Qadri? I guess Qadri atleast wont bomb & shoot his opponents. I mean all those house wives with kids & decent peaceful men in his caravan don't look that dangerous.
qadry could b a better choice for the government .
Qadery has appriciated the action of CJ . Now the govt. will face two front . We think it would be better for govt . to bow down her head before the front which could further strengthen her determination to fight with terrorism engulfing the nation . Qadary could be the best option for her .