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Ijaz rules out alliance with PPP

RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: Senior Vice President of the PML, Ijazul Haq on Tuesday ruled out alliance with the Pakistan People's Party for the restoration of democracy and termed it an anti-Pakistan party.

Talking to newsmen at the Muslim League House, he said that the criticism on the current situation, specifically law and order and other national affairs, must not be considered as criticism of the armed forces but of the present government.

He said that India wanted to retaliate for its defeat on the Kargil front and has evil aims against Pakistan. Therefore, he urged the need for a message to be passed on to India that every child in Pakistan would fight till the last drop of blood for the country.

He urged the government to take the 'public representatives' into confidence to resolve the issues of national importance including CTBT.

He said that PML was the biggest political party in the country and in case of restoration of the assemblies or fresh elections, it would appear on the national scene. He said that democracy could not be restored in the absence of solid and concrete suggestions.

"The PML neither needs political contacts with the other parties nor is it getting weakened. However, contacts will be made only with the ideological parties if needed," he added.

Ijaz said that for real democracy, politicians would have to learn to respect national institutions, besides ensuring transparency in the accountability process and promotion of merit in all segments of life.

He termed the present National Security Council a dummy organisation and needs reorganisation.

About hearing of the constitutional petition by the Supreme Court, regarding restoration of assemblies on January 31, he expressed the hope that the judiciary would play its role in this regard.