He said the holding of APC would cost around Rs60 million to Rs100 million which was the hard-earned money of the poor people. He advised the opposition to bring order in their ranks instead of resorting to such moves.

Durrani said the opposition was now divided just because of their undemocratic behaviour and one-party dominance in their alliances.

He said the Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy (ARD) had almost vanished, while the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) would have no public support in next elections which was evident from the fact that not even a single person participated in 22 caravans announced by the alliance.

The minister said the government was maintaining a liaison with all opposition parties through their parliamentarians.

The PML government made the largest vote bank owing to its excellent performance in public services during the last four years, and it would not share this vote bank with any opposition party, particularly the PPP-P, he maintained.

He expressed the hope that the ruling coalition would win with a clear majority in the next general elections.

Durrani said: “Though we removed all differences with the NWFP government, it brought Hasba Bill, which is contrary to the teachings of Islam and the provisions of the Constitution.”

“That’s why we moved the court in regard to the Hisba Bill,” he said.

The minister said the presidential election would be held in line with the constitutional provisions.

Durrani said the government had not budged an inch from its principled stance on the Kashmir issue.

“Normalisation of Pakistan-India relations will be possible only through resolution of the Kashmir issue,” he said.