Summary The movement is democratic and we'll never bring into play any unconstitutional measures
LAHORE: (Dunya News) A meeting was held between Vice Chairman PTI Shah Mehmood Qureshi and PML (Q) leaders today at Chaudhry Shujaat's residence in Lahore, Dunya News reported. Shah Mehmood said at this occasion that he wanted to share his point of view with the PML (Q) leaders and that is what made him visit their residence. Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain said that his party was unnecessarily being accused of pursuing an anti-democracy agenda whereas they have never demanded or said anything that is in contrast with the democratic fundamentals of the country.
Leaderships of the two parties discussed the prospects of the Long March that PTI has announced and is scheduled for August 14, 2014. PML (Q) leaders have met various political leaders during the last few days and the two leaderships also pondered upon the outcomes of those meetings. Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that the 14th August Long March will definitely take place and all speculations about this decision being revisited should now end. He invited all the political parties, religious organizations and civil society to join the PTI in this long march. “This Long March is to strengthen the democracy, not to derail it”, Shah Mehmood said.
Leaders of PTI and PML (Q) also discussed their future political strategies during this meeting. After the meeting Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain said that it was unfair that his party was being blamed of derailing the democracy. He said that none of the ten points of Pakistan Muslim League (Q) and Tahirul Qadri led Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) was in contrast with the democratic ideals of the constitution of Pakistan. Chaudhry Shujaat said that democracy had no threats from the Long March. Shah Mehmood Qureshi applauded Chaudhry Shujaat's political wisdom at the occasion. He said that PTI and PML (Q) had similar points of view. He said that both the parties believe in democratic struggle and that no unconstitutional measure will ever be welcomed by them.
Chaudhry Pervaiz Ilahi said on the occasion that the rulers should change their names to “democracy” as it were the rulers who were threatened by the long march and agitation and not the democracy. Shujaat said that democracy had no chance of getting deraileded as it does not currently exist in the country. PML (N) and certains quartrs in the media believe that the movement is to end democracy.
It is noteworthy that this meeting has come at a time when the PTI is planning for the Long March over the capital while PML (Q) leaders are engaging various political leaders in order to win support for their movement against the government. Shah Mehmood Qureshi also met Khursheed Shah of Pakistan People's Party who is also the Opposition Leader in the National Assembly. While PTI is going for the Long March to avenge the alleged rigging in Election 2013, PML (Q) is engaged in these political meetings to form a joint front against the government.
