KARACHI, Oct 21: The People’s Party Parliamentarians is striving to form a government but in case it is unable to muster support, the party is prepared to sit in the opposition, PPP acting secretary general, Raza Rabbani, said on return from Dubai on Monday night.

Talking to newsmen at the Quaid-i-Azam International airport, Mr Rabbani said party leaders had gone to Dubai to congratulate the PPP chairperson, Benazir Bhutto on its success in the elections and also to consult her on the evolving political situation and party’s strategy in the post-election phase.

He said negotiation for the formation of government was an ongoing process but there are various other options that are being examined.

He said in the Central Executive Committee’s meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday decisions would be taken on various matters, that would also clear the mist of uncertainty. But he emphasised that political negotiations were an ongoing process and no final decision could be taken “till the very last minute and certainly until the assembly is summoned.”

It is understood that the CEC would spell out its terms for facilitating a future democratic dispensation.

The CEC is also expected to discuss at length Makhdoom Amin Fahim’s contacts with PML(Q) and other political parties and his proposal to Gen Musharraf for immediate talks between the military government and political parties to resolve differences over crucial issues like the presidency of Gen Pervez Musharraf, constitutional amendments made through the LFO, the NSC, the oath of the legislators-elect and other controversial matters.

Replying to questions about differing perceptions within the party over the ongoing negotiations with other parties, Mr Rabbani emphasised that the PPP is in touch with other political parties with a view to forming a government but that does not mean it has deviated from its principled stand and mandate of the people.