PML-N, MMA deadlock

Published September 5, 2002

LAHORE, Sept 4: Parleys between the PML-N and the Mutahidda Majlis-i-Amal ended in a deadlock here on Wednesday as both the parties had disputes over seats in almost every district.

Leaders of both the parties have been discussing electoral adjustments for almost a month and have agreed to continue the process even though this does not result in any fruitful conclusion.

MMA leaders’ talks with the PML-QA on adjustments had already terminated without reaching any decision. The Majlis has directed its candidates to continue their election campaign without criticizing any party.

Meanwhile, the MMA president has submitted his reply to an Election Commission notice questioning inclusion of the Islami Tehrik Pakistan in its folds.

The EC believed that the defunct TJP had renamed itself as ITP.

But the MMA chief in his reply to the EC on Wednesday said the tehrik, a representative body of Shia sect, had registered itself with the commission after completing all the legal requirements mentioned in the Political Parties Order. The TJP, being a banned party, could not enter the folds of the MMA, he said.