KARACHI, Oct 1: The president, Pakistan Muslim League (Q), Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, on Wednesday expressed hope that the PML-Nawaz, the only party faction left out, will be merged with his faction soon, as its demand for merger of all other factions of the party had been duly met.

“Earlier, PML-N leaders had pleaded that they would talk about merger if other PML factions re-join. Now they should fulfil their promise,” Shujaat said, while talking to newsmen during a meeting with businessmen at the residence of Senator Nisar Memon.

Shujaat, however, said that being the major faction, the PML leadership would initiate the merger move to strengthen the party as well as the democratic process in the country.

He said that his faction wanted to strive for people’s uplift in collaboration with the ‘like-minded’ people in larger ‘national interest.’

To a query, he said that the party leadership would welcome the Sindh Democratic Alliance (SDA) in the folds of PML, adding there was no pressure over them for merger.

Denying any latest contact between him (Shujaat) and Dr Arbab Rahim of the SDA, he said that senior party members were trying to convince him (Rahim) to change his decision to form his own group within the SDA.

He also scotched ‘rumours’ regarding fresh polls in the wake of re-unification of the PML, saying “Yes, this is homework for next elections which will be held on their due time.”

Shujaat claimed that the united PML would sweep next elections.

In the last elections, he claimed, the party had lost at least 25 National Assembly seats only because candidates from various factions of the PML were contesting against each other.

To a suggestion that the PML leadership should oppose construction of Thal canal to avoid adverse reaction in Sindh, he said he would do his best to stop those who were bent upon exploiting such issues.

“So far as Punjab is concerned, we have committed not to allow the tendency of exploiting Sindh people even if Punjab sacrifices its own benefits,” PML chief remarked.

When asked about the PML policy on controversial Kalabagh dam, he said that regardless of controversy the PML wanted to resolve the water storage issue, which was the most important.

There should be water reservoirs in the country, whether we constructed small reservoirs in Sindh and Balochistan, or construct Kalabagh and Bachha dams, he added.

On the occasion, the PML chief urged the opposition parties to end their protest and help run parliamentary business in national interest.

He said President Musharraf would address the joint session of the assembly only when the opposition became sober and assured parliamentary decorum.

Chaudhry Shujaat said interaction between the government and the business community would be increased to formulate more viable and business-friendly policies.

The PML (Q) government believed in maximum participation of businessmen while taking decisions about trade and investment, he added.

Shujaat underlined the need to further restore confidence of local businessmen, through more incentives and facilities, which he hoped would ultimately encourage foreign investment into the country.

He said that he had apprised President Gen Musharraf of businessmen’s reservations regarding the present role of the National Accountability Bureau, adding that he had suggested limited role for the Bureau.

“I supported introduction of judicial system against NAB to mitigate sense of harassment among the businessmen,” he said.

He said any investor who wanted to initiate some big business venture was questioned by various agencies with regard to his sources of the amount.

The PML (Q) chief said the business community’s participation would be ensured while formulating strategy for uplift of Karachi infrastructure.

He invited seasoned businessmen to join the PML (Q), so that the party could deliver better on economic side.

Sindh Chief Minister Sardar Ali Mohammad Khan Mahar, who was also present, assuring the businessmen of government’s all out support, said that under the leadership of Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain the party would strengthen democracy and economy in the country.

“PML is the only party which will re-shape the country,” he remarked.

Senator Nisar Memon, in his welcome address, lauded services of Chaudhry Shujaat for promotion of democracy and strengthening of institutions.

Meanwhile, newly-elected president of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Siraj Kassam Teli, called for upgradation of infrastructure of the city and provision of utilities on low prices to achieve economic targets of the country.

He also expressed dissatisfaction over law and order situation in the province, particularly in the city.

He emphasized the need for sincere efforts on part of the government in resolving problems faced by local business community.

He invited Chaudhry Shujaat to visit KCCI, SITE and other trade and business forums, to have more interaction and exchange of ideas with the business community and apprised him of their problems.

S.M. Muneer of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), on the occasion, announced full support of business community for the PML (Q) chief.

Other businessmen, present on the occasion included Majyd Aziz, Jehangir Siddiqui, Haroon Farooki, Zubair Motiwala and Abdul Shakoor Khatri.—APP