November 19, 2002	Tuesday	Ramazan 13, 1423

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 18: A group of smaller political parties on Monday withheld its decision about their choice of candidates for speaker and deputy speaker of the National Assembly.

The 4-party group comprized Tahirul Qadri’s Pakistan Awami Tehrik (PAT), Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI), Hamid Nasir Chattha’s Pakistan Muslim League (Junejo group) and Ejazul Haq’s Pakistan Muslim League (Zia group). All of them participated except Imran Khan.

PTI spokesman Akbar S. Babar, told Dawn that the meeting which was held here at the residence of Agha Murtaza Pooya would disclose its decision on Tuesday.

Babar said the group had decided to support only those who believe in the restoration of the 1973 Constitution without any consideration for the LFO etc.

In the 45-minute meeting, the group also demanded of the major political parties to show flexibility in their stance so that the democratic process could be strengthened.

Imran Khan, who did not attend the inaugural session, will take oath on Tuesday, said Babar.