October 16, 2006	Monday	Ramazan 22, 1427

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LAHORE, Oct 15: PPP-Parliamentarians president Makhdoom Amin Fahim is expected to meet Nawaz Sharif in London either on Monday or Tuesday to exchange views on various issues before the Oct 19 meeting between the two former prime ministers.

Mr Fahim phoned Mr Sharif on Sunday and expressed his desire to meet him during the next few days.

PML-N secretary-general Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, who is also in the UK at present, is also trying to arrange a Fahim-Sharif meeting before a meeting between Mr Sharif and Ms Bhutto.

The PPP and the PML-N are sticking to their respective points of view on the need for a grand opposition alliance.

Quits PPP-SB: Qureshi Mohammad Hafeez has resigned as the basic member of the PPP-SB as, according to him, the party has failed to work for the ideals it had been set up for.

Mr Qureshi, who is also a member of the party’s central executive committee, has sent his letter of resignation to chairperson Ghinwa Bhutto, explaining reasons behind the step.

He alleges that the party is inactive and has no attraction for the people. At present, only a few people are running the party, he says.

Qureshi has also complained that the chairperson is running the party only through press conferences and interviews.

Iftar dinner: Ms Benazir Bhutto’s spokesman Munawwar Anjum hosted an Iftar-dinner for party leaders here on Sunday.

Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, Qasim Zia, Aurangzeb Burki, Mian Misbahur Rahman, Makhdoom Shahabuddin and others attended.

Mr Gilani also went to Data Darbar on Sunday, laid a floral wreath and offered Fateha.

Accompanied by Jehangir Badr, Azizur Rahman Chan and some other party leaders, Mr Gilani also addressed an Iftar reception hosted by Chaudhry Asghar at Karim Park.

The PPP leaders reiterated their resolve to continue their struggle for democracy.

Meanwhile, opposition leader in the Senate Raza Rabbani called on Mr Gilani on Sunday and congratulated him on his release.

DEMO: Some PML-N workers held a demonstration here on Sunday to protest the police action against some of their colleagues a day before.

The protesters raised slogans against the police and the rulers.

MEET THE PRESS: Minister for Inter-provincial Coordination Saleem Saifullah will be the chief guest at a “Meet the Press” of the Lahore Press Club on Monday (today).