August 09, 2006	Wednesday	Rajab 13, 1427

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ISLAMABAD Aug 8: The parliamentary group of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League and coalition parties on Tuesday discussed the proposed draft amendments to the Hudood laws and other issues.

The MPs were divided on the passage of the proposed amendment bill.

One group, according to sources, feared that religious parties’ leadership would exploit moving the bill and debate on it against the government.

They were of the view that the coalition partners could face the wrath of people in the upcoming elections if the bill was passed as approved by the cabinet.

Another group of coalition MPs, however, strongly recommended to the government to go for the approval of the bill without fearing the extremists.

The sources said those who supported the amendment were in majority.

However, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said the government would not frame or enforce any law which was repugnant to the religious teachings as was enshrined in the constitution.

The participants also discussed the opposition’s planned no-trust motion against the prime minister with some influential government functionaries claiming that no more then 100 votes would be cast in its favour.

The parliamentary group expressed its determination to defeat the motion, which in its opinion was an exercise in futility for mere propaganda and to create chaos.

The meeting presided over by the prime minister was also attended by PML president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, former prime minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, senior minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal of the People’s Party Patriots, Ejazul Haq, Abdul Razzaq Thaheem of the PML (Functional), Babar Khan Ghauri of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Hamid Nasir Chattha, Haji Munir Orakzai form the Fata group and other MNAs and senators.

It also discussed the situation in Lebanon, the prime minister’s visit to Malaysia to attend the Organisation of Islamic Conference’s meeting, PML party elections and legislative agenda for the ongoing session of parliament, a handout said.

The parliamentary leaders expressed great concern over the situation in Lebanon and appreciated the efforts being made by the President Parvez Musharraf and the prime minister to bring about an immediate ceasefire in the country and an end to the aggression being committed against the innocent people of Lebanon.

It appreciated the forceful presentation by the prime minister of Pakistan’s position on the issue at the OIC meeting.

It appreciated the PML chief’s efforts in ensuring free and fair party elections in all the provinces and congratulated those elected.

It was decided that the parliamentary parties would meet on a weekly basis during the session of parliament.