LAHORE, Oct 20: People’s Party Parliamentarians chairman Makhdoom Amin Fahim on Sunday reiterated that his party would try to form a “government of national unity” in cooperation with all democratic forces, and the PML-Q was no exception.

He was talking to reporters after a meeting with ARD president Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan at which he briefed him about the decisions taken in consultation with Benazir Bhutto in Dubai.

The PPP leader, who had returned from Dubai earlier in the day, said that Ms Bhutto had supported the need for such a government and told him to approach the democratic forces to translate it into reality. In case the move failed, he added, the PPP would sit on the opposition benches.

The decision was quite unexpected for the ARD chief and his face fell as he heard it. However, the Nawabzada made it clear that he would continue to stand by the ARD charter even if he was left alone.

Before the arrival of the PPP leader at his residence, the Nawabzada had told reporters that Ms Bhutto had talked to him and given an impression that her party would not join hands with the PML-Q as it had supported all “unconstitutional” steps taken by Gen Musharraf.

Mr Fahim said his party would approach all those elected to parliament, no matter through rigging or otherwise, to strengthen the democratic institutions. He said he would hold talks with other parties with an open mind.

When it was pointed out that only a couple of days back the ARD had refused to accept the presidency of Gen Musharraf and the constitutional amendments made by him, the PPP leader said parliament was sovereign and it had the right to take all decisions.

He said now that the democracy was being restored, it would not be fair for anyone to scuttle the process.

After the departure of the PPP leader, the Nawabzada admitted that he had a different point of view on the restoration of democracy and sovereignty of parliament. He said he was not in favour of sharing power with the army.

About the need for a government of national unity, as advocated by the PPP leader, the octogenarian ARD chief said it was always set up for a particular issue.

In the present circumstances, he pointed out, there was nothing common between the ARD and the pro-Musharraf parties which could provide them justification to join hands.

Asked would it not be fair for the ARD parties to review their point of view on various issues to pave the way for cooperation with the PML-Q which had emerged as the largest party, the Nawabzada said that instead of reviewing their stand, such parties should merge themselves with the PML-Q.

He said he would be happy if the PPP got “genuine power”. But, he added, sharing of power with the army was not tolerable for him.

PML-N leader Tehmina Daultana and PPP leaders Naveed Chaudhry, Mian Misbahur Rehman and Munawar Anjum were present during the Nawabzada-Fahim meeting.

With the decision taken by the PPP, the ARD has virtually come to an end.Another ARD component, PML (Jinnah), has already joined hands with the PML-Q.