PESHAWAR, Jan 27: Pakistan Muslim League (PML) president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has said that the death of Wali Khan marks the end of a glorious chapter in national politics.

Talking to journalists here at the residence of Salim Saifullah Khan here on Friday, he said Wali Khan had played his role effectively and successfully in the country’s politics. All his life the great politician had struggled for democracy and against dictatorial governments undauntedly, he added.

In reply to a question about the Kalabagh dam, Chaudhry Shujaat said it was a technical issue and should be handled as such. He said some quarters had made it a political issue only to advance their specific agenda.

He expressed the hope that the issue would be resolved amicably with the consent of all provinces. He said the Kalabagh dam was a national issue and it should not be dubbed as a regional one.

About holding general elections in 2008, he said: “Constitution does not stop us from delaying elections for a year. There is a provision in the constitution which empowers the incumbent government to delay the process, but the PML government would not opt for it.”

Minister of State for Water and Power Amir Muqam, former Punjab chief minister Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo, Punjab minister Shuja Khanzada and other PML leaders were present on the occasion.

Earlier, Chaudhry Shujaat visited the Jinnah Park where Wali Khan’s body was put on a podium to allow people to pay their respects. He offered condolences to Awami National Party president Asfandyar Wali Khan, son of Wali Khan.