LAHORE, Feb 10: Differences between Mian Mohammad Azhar and the ruling Pakistan Muslim League leadership stood resolved as PML chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi met him at his residence here on Saturday and decided to work together to strengthen the party.

With this meeting came to an end the possibility of an Arain Mian Azhar joining the Pakistan People’s Party of Benazir Bhutto, an offer for which had recently been made to him.

Sardar Nasrullah Dreshak, Naeem Hussain Chattha, Chaudhry Zaheeruddin and Monis Elahi were also present at the meeting.

The Punjab chief minister used the occasion to extend an invitation to PML-N leaders to join the ruling party.

The PML-N, he said, had also compromised its identity after entering in an alliance with the PPP.

Mian Azhar said he had been with the PML from the very beginning, although he had become inactive for various reasons. But, he said, differences were now a story of the past and he would use all his energies for the party.

Chaudhry Shujaat appreciated his steadfastness and said Mian Azhar had not changed the party although he had many offers.

Mian Azhar said since he had been heading the party, he no longer had the desire for any office.

Defending his past criticism of the party policies, Mian Azhar said it was aimed at improving the things, not targeting anybody. He said it was regrettable that the criticism was projected as personal attacks on the leadership. He said he would continue to point out the weak points so that the leadership could address them.

The Punjab chief minister said he wanted Mian Azhar to play an active role in the party.