September 15, 2008	Monday	Ramazan 14, 1429

LAHORE, Sept 14: The Pakistan People's Party is not entering into any alliance with PML-Q as is being touted after resignation of Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi as the opposition leader in the National Assembly.

Speaking at an Iftar dinner here on Sunday, PPP secretary general Jahangir Badr said possibilities of his party forging any new alliance were bleak as they were not interested in such maneuvers.

Parrying a question that if Chaudhry Pervaiz would be given any slot in the federal government, he said it should be asked from the Chaudhry.

He claimed PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif was initially offered prime minister’s slot and then of country’s president but he refused. As the constitutional office of the president could not be left vacant, hence the PPP fielded its own nominee through a democratic process, he added.

He said the PPP did not want to disturb the existing coalition as that could harm democratic process in the country and pave the way for another dictatorship. Although army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani was a strong supporter of democracy, it was prime responsibility of the political forces to avoid creating any room for the dictatorial forces, he said.

Replying to a question about Prime Minister Gilani supporting the Gen Kayani’s statement against the US aggression, the PPP leader said it reflected the understanding between the two pillars of the state.

Badar said the PPP instead of indulging in any complication wanted to organise the party and pull the country out of the existing crises.

He said the PPP would work with all political forces.