June 14, 2003	Saturday	Rabi-us-Sani 13, 1424

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ISLAMABAD, June 13: The death of former speaker of the National Assembly and caretaker prime minister, Malik Meraj Khalid, was condoled by leaders belonging to various political parties.

Mutahidda Qaumi Movement (MQM) MNA Kanwar Khalid Younus paid rich tributes to Meraj Khalid saying that he was a very simple man.

The MQM MNA said when he was elected in the 1988 elections for the first time, Meraj Khalid was speaker of the National Assembly. “He used to guide us and tell us about parliamentary traditions,” the MNA recalled and said “in this way I have lost my teacher.”

Mr Younus said he was a flawless politician and his services for the country would be remembered long.

The MQM MNA requested the opposition parties, particularly the People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPP), to postpone their protest for one day and take part in the National Assembly proceedings to highlight the services of late Meraj Khalid.

President of Qaumi Jamhoori Party (QJP) Air Marshal Asghar Khan (retired), central vice-president Nusrat Ali Shah, secretary general Dr Zafar Mirza and other office-bearers, in a message, also expressed heartfelt condolence over the demise of veteran politician.

They lauded the services of Mr Khalid for strengthening democratic system in the country and termed his death a national loss.

PPP leader Nazar Kiyani said the death of Meraj Khalid was a great loss to the nation and his services as speaker of National Assembly would be remembered for a long time.