September 01, 2008	Monday	Sha'aban 29, 1429

LAHORE, Aug 31: Awami Muslim League President Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said that the country would enter a new political crisis after the presidential elections on Sept 6 and there was a possibility of another ‘unlawful accident’ if it was not heeded.

Addressing a news conference at the party office here on Sunday, he said that a handful of families were holding the national politics hostage to safeguard their vested interests. Those playing the game of brotherhood were in fact bluffing each other and Asif Ali Zardari had finally knocked out Nawaz Sharif technically.

There was silence on Kashmir issue and Dr. Qadeer, who had given the country the gift of nuclear technology, had found not even a couple of legislators to propose or second him to contest the presidential elections.

He said that economic crisis was the biggest challenge being faced by the country. Foreign exchange reserves had fallen below $9 billion and the country could be bankrupt in next 45 to 60 days if remedial measures were not taken.

The government continued to announce mini-budgets. It had enhanced duty on import of the so-called luxury goods and then announced 31 per cent increase in power tariff. Only the salaries were not being increased.