July 29, 2008	Tuesday	Rajab 25, 1429

LAHORE, July 28: Opposition leader in the National Assembly Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi on Monday welcomed the “foiling of conspiracy to shift control of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to the Interior Division.”

In a press statement, he said the attempt was part of a bigger conspiracy to weaken the army by reducing its numerical strength and cut defence budget. But, thank God, it was foiled in the beginning, he added.

He said the issuance of notification for shifting ISI’s control showed coalition partners’ approach towards integrity, defence and stability of the country.

The ISI, he said, had rendered commendable strategic services to the country. He said myopic politicians always tried to use this national institution for political purposes and bring bad name to it.

He said only anti-Pakistan element could be happy at any step against these institutions, and added: “The PML-Q has always been saying that coalition partners were interested in their personal agendas and prefer their own interest over the nation’s.

They cheated people with catchy slogans during the elections and were now furthering their own interests.

The PML-Q government always took the Opposition on board on all important national issues. But, the present government is acting dictatorially and has kept the presidency and even the armed forces out of its decision-making process.”