ISLAMABAD, Oct 20: Dr Tahirul Qadri, Chairman Pakistan Awami Tehreek and MNA-elect on Sunday urged the political parties to act responsibly by remaining united at the federal level in order to create an amicable environment for democracy in the country.

Addressing a news conference here he said, the restoration of parliament and democracy is a test for all political parties.

He said, as predicted, the next parliament will be a hung parliament.

He said political parties should play their role in making Pakistan into a modern, progressive, democratic and Islamic welfare state.

Dr Qadri assured that he will play a comprehensive role in parliament.

The PAT chief said that parties with differing manifestos and varying mandates have ended up in parliament.

He said there should be no tension between political groups to ensure continuity of policies so that the image of a liberal and progressive country is presented to the world.

He said that Pakistan Awami Tehreek is against rival political groupings and favours positive thinking.

He said the PAT’s priorities are, putting people first and alleviating poverty. “We will support those who correlate with these priorities and PAT’s agenda” he added.

He alleged that there was rigging in all constituencies of Jhang. But said the PAT, in the wider national interest, will restrain from any sort of protest.

Replying to a question Dr Tahirul Qadri said, although the elections were held under the PCO, there is no point in boycotting the parliament or refusing to take oath; it would tantamount to creating obstacles in the way of democracy.

He said that the next parliament will decide the election of the president and the fate of the constitutional amendments package.

Replying to a question, whether he will join the government or the opposition, Dr Qadri said that this decision would be taken after studying the agendas of both.

Agha Murtaza Poya Senior Vice-Chairman, Pakistan Awami Tehreek, Sayyad Ismat Gilani, Dr Muhammad Afzal, Malak Saleem, Fakhar Zaman Adil, were also present on this occasion. —APP