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ISLAMABAD, Feb 23: PPP Vice-Chairman Makhdoom Amin Fahim, a strong candidate for the post of prime minister, said on Saturday there was no need at the moment to impeach President Pervez Musharraf. But he hastened to add that the parliament was sovereign and it would look into every issue.
In an interview with the CNN, Mr Fahim said: “Once we go to the parliament, the parliament will look at every issue. We should not rock the boat at this time. We must have transition of power from the military to civilians.”
Following are excerpts of the interview:
CNN: Would you be willing to accept the post of the prime minister at a time when there will be a lot of pressure on the coming prime minister?
Amin Fahim: I know very well the problems Pakistan is facing today, but the PPP is an organised party — we have experts, we have knowledge. If the responsibility lies on me, I will work hard.
CNN: There are a couple of issues that appear, at least to some, to be stumbling blocks. One of them is how to handle President Musharraf. As the prime minister, will you move forward to impeach him and have a government without him?
Amin Fahim: I think there’s no need at the moment but the parliament is sovereign. Once we go to the parliament, it will look at every issue. We should not rock the boat at this time. We must have a civil transition of power from the military to civilians.
CNN: Are you willing to sit with the Taliban and negotiate and get them involved in political system?
Amin Fahim: We are not in favour of terrorism anywhere in the world. We will try to settle this issue through the parliament with the support of the people of Pakistan. Now, their advice will be the guideline.
CNN: Would you be willing to sit down with members of Taliban and these militant groups face to face?
Amin Fahim: We have not said anything about whether we’ll be sitting with them or not. I think we should leave handling and tackling these issues to the next parliament.—PPI
