January 26, 2002	Saturday	Ziqa’ad 11, 1422

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SUKKUR, Jan 25: There is no scope for Nawaz Sharif, Benazir Bhutto and Altaf Hussain for the next five to ten ears as they had miserably failed to deliver the goods during their political terms.

This was stated at a press conference by PML (QA) Sindh President Ghous Baksh Maher at the Circuit House Sukkur.

He said that Nawaz Sharif and Benazir had been twice the prime ministers of Pakistan, but they had now lost the backing of the people.

He advised them to take rest now and let deserving people take over their places.

He said there were bright chances of reunification of PML factions in which they had the blessings of Pir of Pagara.

Mr Maher said that the Pir had given unconditional support, and had no desire for any office, and whatever was being said on his part was merely kite flying.

He hoped that the reunification would be achieved on Feb 14 during the next meeting of the Leaguers at Lahore, and a strong PML would emerge.

He said that the PML was very likely in a position to form its government after the October election.

He dispelled the impression that government influence was behind the merger move of the Muslim League factions.

He said that even if it was so, for example, then it was a good omen that the government was uniting the founder party.

Mr Maher brushed aside reports of his differences with Chief Organizer Maqbool Shaikh, and added that both would contest in Shikarpur District in the next election and would support each other.

He welcomed the electorate reforms, but was not in favour of the condition of graduation for candidates.

He said that he, himself, would not be affected by this condition; however, professional integrity, and past experience as legislator should be taken into account for allowing one’s candidature.

Mr Maher also called for the division of constituencies for women and technocrats in the provinces; otherwise he feared they would lead to tribal communal differences.

He said the kith and kin of old Leaguers would be contacted for joining the founder party of Pakistan including the Nazim of Ghotki, Ali Gohar Khan Maher, Sukkur; and Nazim Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, whose fathers were in the Muslim League.

He said that the PML was holding talks with the Sindh Democratic Alliance (SDA) in Sindh regarding electoral adjustments.