LAHORE, Feb 25: The ARD has not closed its doors for talks with the government, but has expressed its ignorance about any previous contacts between the two sides, hinted at by President Musharraf.

Talking to reporters on Friday, ARD Chairman Makhdoom Amin Fahim said that talks would be held from the coalition's platform without any compromise on principles. He said the ARD wanted the restoration of the 1973 Constitution as it existed before the 1999 coup.

PML-N Chairman Raja Zafarul Haq, on a question about Mian Shahbaz Sharif's confession that he was in contact with the rulers, said talks with the rulers would be held only from ARD's platform. He ruled out individual talks by any ARD component with the government.

In response to a question, Makhdoom said by expressing its willingness to take part in movement for the restoration of the 1973 Constitution, the MMA had admitted that the 17th Amendment, which had been approved with the support of the religious alliance, was wrong.

He said for the time being the two alliances had given their own programmes for protest. About the possibility of cooperation between the two opposition groupings, he said the matter would come under discussion at the next meeting.

The ARD chief underlined the need for maximum provincial autonomy, saying if the federating units had been given their due rights, the existing situation in Balochistan could have been averted. Makhdoom said all genuine demands of the provinces should be met without delay.

He was critical of President Musharraf's assertion that Capt Hammad was not responsible for raping a doctor in Balochistan. He said when the president had said that the culprit would be awarded capital punishment, the judgment of the case had already been announced.

Meanwhile, ARD leaders held an informal meeting at the residence of Nawabzada Mansoor Khan and exchanged views on the prevailing political situation. Raja Zafarul Haq, alliance secretary-general Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, Qasim Zia, Tehmina Daultana and other leaders were present.

It is said that an ARD delegation will visit Dera Bugti in the first week of March to express solidarity with the people of Balochistan. Makhdoom Amin Fahim will lead the delegation.