By APP
Bhurban : Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) and Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) Sunday agreed to form coalition “Together for a Democratic Pakistan”, assuring that upcoming coalition government would live up to the expectations of the people. The Summit Declaration signed by PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N leader Muhammad Nawaz Sharif after a detailed round of talks between the leadership of both parties said that speaker and deputy speaker of the National Assembly would be from the PPP while speaker and deputy speaker of the Punjab Assembly would be from the PML-N.
“In today’s summit…it was decided that the restoration of the deposed judges as it was on 2nd of November, 2007 shall be brought about through a parliamentary resolution to be passed in the National Assembly within thirty days of the formation of the federal government,” the declaration said.
It further stated that the nominee of the PPP for the office of the Prime Minister would be fully supported by all coalition partners and it was suggested by the PML-N that the candidate for premiership should be one who can deliver on the joint agenda of the coalition.
“PML-N will be the part of the federal cabinet while PPP will be the part of the Punjab government,” it said.
The leadership of both political parties was of the firm opinion that the coalition partners are ready to form the governments and the national and provincial assemblies should be convened immediately.
PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N leader Muhammad Nawaz Sharif held a joint news conference along with other party leaders of both parties after the detailed meeting held at the residence of PML-N leader in Murree.
Asif Ali Zardari while speaking on the occasion said, “We have a fruitful meeting and we stand at the verge of making history after signing roadmap towards democracy.”
When asked whether upcoming coalition government would have working relationship with President Pervez Musharraf, he said “We are democratic forces and don’t believe in personal agenda rather we will work for promotion of democracy.”
“We don’t want to take whole plate in hand at once but move forward step by step,” he responded to a reporter when asked how much time the coalition government would take to reinstate deposed judges.
To another question, he said the judges who took oath after imposition of state of emergency on November 3 “will not be disturbed and we will take decision based on collective wisdom to accommodate every one.”
Replying to a question, he said all such incidents in the past which PPP suffered casualties would be re-investigated through courts.
To a query about outline of their strategy to provide immediate relief to people, the PPP co-chairman said the government would take measures to reduce flour prices and other household commodities on priority basis.
“Our first decision would be about Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA),” he said to a question by PFUJ Secretary General Mazhar Abbas.
Asif Zardari said MMA leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman would be part of the federal cabinet and “we will have formal power-sharing with his party.”
He said both PPPP and PML-N have agreed to work together and wanted to remind the international community that people of Pakistan have voted for democracy. “So please give us a chance for democracy and we will not disappoint you.”
The PPP co-chairman said Pakistani people stand together with spirit of democracy and hoped “our government will work with you (world) on all issues confronting the world today.”
Replying to another question, Asif Zardari said MQM would be engaged into the dialogue after formulation of the new government in Sindh while taking PML-N into confidence.
PML-N leader Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said the Charter of Democracy would be implemented in letter and spirit and added sanctity of the 1973 Constitution would be ensured.
He said judges were removed on March 9 last year, and on the same day this year, the decision has been taken to reinstate them through the next parliament.
Replying to a question, he said the next government would take drastic measures to provide relief to the people, who are facing the problems like price-hike, unemployment and law and order.
To a question, he said the coalition is going to form government in the face of poor law and order situation, worst economic condition and other problems confronting the people.
“People have given mandate to us in the Election 2008 and conveyed a loud message both PPPP and PML-N to address the issues with concerted efforts at every level,” he said.
He was of the views that the President should accept the verdict of the people who have given a clear mandate to PML-N, PPPP and ANP in the February 18 general elections.
Nawaz Sharif said PML-N suggested that PPPP’s candidate for the premiership should be one who can deliver on the joint agenda of the coalition.
He said PML-N would be part of the federal cabinet while PPPP would join PML-N in the Punjab government, adding the national and provincial assemblies should be convened immediately.