KARACHI, July 28: The Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy and Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal on Friday gave formal effect to their resolve for launching a movement against General Pervez Musharraf’s dispensation, but there were indications that the vote of no-confidence against Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz would not be possible before the first fortnight of August.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Qazi Hussain Ahmed represented MMA in the meeting while ARD was represented by Mr Fahim and Leader of Opposition in the Senate Raza Rabbani.

According to sources, there was no difference at the meeting on launching the movement or on the vote of no-confidence. However, participants emphasised the need for bringing other opposition parties and alliances on board. It was therefore felt that the Tehrik-i-Insaf and PONM should be approached. The meeting dismissed the MQM resignations as an internal matter of the ruling coalition.

Addressing a press conference, Mr Fahim, Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Qazi Hussain Ahmad talked about ‘complete unanimity’ in both the alliances on bringing a vote of no-confidence against the prime minister in the coming session.

Maulana Fazl said the MMA supported the no-trust motion against Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz because the government had failed and the people had no confidence in it.

Describing the two-hour meeting with ARD leaders as initial, the maulana said the timing of moving a no-confidence vote and launching a movement was yet to be decided. He said there were other opposition political parties whose support must be sought.