06 January 2005	Thursday	24 Ziqa'ad 1425

KARACHI, Jan. 5: Pakistan Muslim League chief and former Prime Minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has said that if Pir Pagara is not prepared to accept his leadership, he is ready to accept Mr Pagara's leadership.

He said all attempts to create differences in the party would be foiled. Talking to a group of journalists here on Wednesday, he termed a meeting held at the PML House a success which was a proof that the party was active and alive to the situation.

The PML chief said that the party had embarked upon a process of giving priority to national interests over personal interests. For that reason, when he was passing near the Kingri House he told the chief minister: "Let us go to meet Pir Pagara to dispel the misgivings being created by some vested interests."

When informed that Pir Sahib was not willing to receive him, Mr Hussain said that if it was in the interest of the party, he would meet him. After all he was senior and an old guard of the party and he had no differences with him and was prepared to work under his leadership.

Earlier on his arrival at the airport, Mr Shujaat was received by party leaders and workers. Some opponents of Mr Shujaat also reached there and started raising slogans against him.

This led to a scuffle between supporters and opponents of Mr Shujaat. Some PML workers were injured in the scuffle. The same scene was repeated at the PML House where Mr Shujaat inaugurated a computer section.