17 January 2005	Monday	06 Zilhaj 1425

ISLAMABAD, Jan 16: Pakistan Muslim League (PML) senior Vice- President Syed Kabir Ali Wasti has accused Pir Pagara of making attempts to create discord and dissension within the PML in pursuit of his personal interests.

He said Pir Pagara's statements against PML President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain were inspired and tendentious while the language used in these statements violated the norms of decency and civility.

He said Chaudhry Shujaat enjoyed the support of overwhelming members of the party. The PML is united under his leadership. His services in bringing together various factions of the party could not be underestimated. There is no one else who can keep the party united, he added.

The PML leader said Pir Pagara had always displayed a non- serious attitude in politics. All he wants is to have provincial and federal governments serve his personal, financial and other interests.

He recalled that Pir Pagara had allowed Gen Ziaul Haq to handle the affairs of the PML. His hand-picked prime minister Mohammad Khan Junejo became so disgusted that he finally refused to entertain his demands.

He said Pir Pagara often referred to the so-called physical ailment of Chaudhry Shujaat in a language which was below the cultural and ethical norms of our society.

He said Mr Shujaat was fully fit and had proved his qualities of head and heart as prime minister and PML chief. Unlike Pir Pagara, he added, Shujaat was accessible to most ordinary party workers and citizens. Mr Wasti asked Pir Pagara to come out in the open and let the people know as to at whose behest he was creating confusion and discord in the party.