ISLAMABAD, May 16: The war of words between the ruling Pakistan Muslim League president, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, and former prime minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali ended on Monday when the latter’s demand that differences be sorted out in a ‘family jirga” was accepted by the PML chief. The patch-up was reached when Chaudhry Shujaat assured Mr Jamali that the party would be run in a democratic manner.

In accordance with the wishes of Mr Jamali, Chaudhry Shujaat accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and MNA Chaudhry Wajahat Hussain, called on him in the presence of his cousin and former Balochistan chief minister, Mir Jan Mohammad Jamali, at the Balochistan House.

The war of words had been triggered by a statement of Chaudhry Shujaat that Mr Jamali was no more a member of the party and that at the time of resigning the PM office he had also quit the party. The statement evoked a sharp reaction from Mr Jamali. The ice started melting on Sunday when the two leaders met in Gujrat at the Valima of Chaudhry Shujaat’s son.

At the brief meeting, Mr Jamali reiterated his demand that the ‘jirga’ of the two families should be revived to sort out their differences. On Monday, Chaudhry Shujaat formally called on Mr Jamali along with his cousin and brother.

After the meeting, the PML president told newsmen that in future the party would be run in a democratic manner in consultation with everyone. He urged the newsmen not to publish or telecast reports which were against the national interest.

There were no differences within the party, he said, adding that decisions were being taken keeping in mind the best interests of the country. Replying a question, he said that they had discussed matters in detail and there were no differences between them. Mr Jamali said that differences of opinion were not of much significance and that they should hold supreme the interest of the country’s stability.