Row on Jamia Hafsa Islamabad to be Resolved via Peaceful Means
'Pakistan Times' Special Correspondent

ISLAMABAD: Central Working Committee of Pakistan Muslim League met here Sunday at the Prime Minister House and discussed the political and economic situation of the country.

The meeting was presided over by President PML Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and hosted by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, while it was attended by over 200 committee members from all over the country.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz briefed the meeting about the political and economic situation, his recent visit to India to attend SAARC Summit, his forthcoming visit to China and recent visit of Russian Prime Minister to Pakistan.

Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain briefed the meeting about the development on the issue of Jamia Hafsa and Lal Masjid, while Senator Wasim Sajjad gave briefing on the issue of reference against Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and its proceedings by the Supreme Judicial Council.

Briefing the newsmen, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, along with President PML Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain,Secretary General Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed and Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Senator Tariq Azeem Khan, said that there has been contacts with all the political parties as it is partof political process.

He said contacts with other parties are not a new thing in the political process as these are part of the political process and he especially mentioned his meetings with the leaders of different political parties during the parliament session.

Shaukat Aziz said despite these contacts, the PML will contest elections along with its coalition partners on the basis of its performance. .

Replying to a question, the Prime Minister said,there is no "deal" with any political party adding that PML has "deal" with the people for their development and uplift.

The Prime Minister referred to the passage of Women Protection Bill, already passed by the parliament, and added that no political party opposed the bill in the assembly which is also a part of the contacts of the government with the political parties.

Answering a question about any threat to the writ of the government due to issue of Jamia Hafsa and Lal Masjid, the Prime Minister said there will be no compromise on ensuring writ of the government.

He said government wanted to resolve the issue peacefully through negotiation as there are about 3000 women living in Jamia Hafsa, therefore, government did not want to use force.

The Prime Minister said PML President Chaudhry Shujaat has been negotiating with the administration of Lal Masjid to find an amicable and peaceful solution to the issue.

He said, there is no question that the writ of government is being compromised on this issue, and added if the writ of the government will be challenged, the government will take action to ensure its writ.

In-depth

Central Working Committee of Pakistan Muslim League met here Sunday at the Prime Minister House and discussed the political and economic situation of the country. The meeting was presided over by President PML Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and hosted by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, while it was attended by over 200 committee members from all over the country.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz briefed the meeting about the political and economic situation, his recent visit to India to attend SAARC Summit, his forthcoming visit to China and recent visit of Russian Prime Minister to Pakistan.

Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain briefed the meeting about the development on the issue of Jamia Hafsa and Lal Masjid, while Senator Wasim Sajjad gave briefing on the issue of reference against Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and its proceedings by the Supreme Judicial Council.

Briefing the newsmen, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, along with President PML Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Secretary General Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed and Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Senator Tariq Azeem Khan, said that there has been contacts with all the political parties as it is part of political process.

He said contacts with other parties are not a new thing in the political process as these are part of the political process and he especially mentioned his meetings with the leaders of different political parties during the parliament session.

Shaukat Aziz said despite these contacts, the PML will contest elections along with its coalition partners on the basis of its performance.

Replying to a question, the Prime Minister said, there is no “deal” with any political party adding that PML has “deal” with the people for their development and uplift.

The Prime Minister referred to the passage of Women Protection Bill, already passed by the parliament, and added that no political party opposed the bill in the assembly which is also a part of the contacts of the government with the political parties.

He said one party supported the government on this bill, the other one abstained in the voting, while the third opposition group just opted to boycott from the session on the passage of the bill.

Giving details of the meeting of the CWC, the Prime Minister said he briefed the members of the committee on various issues relating to economic achievements and political situation.

Answering a question about any threat to the writ of the government due to issue of Jamia Hafsa and Lal Masjid, the Prime Minister said there will be no compromise on ensuring writ of the government.

He said government wanted to resolve the issue peacefully through negotiation as there are about 3000 women living in Jamia Hafsa, therefore, government did not want to use force.

The Prime Minister said PML President Chaudhry Shujaat has been negotiating with the administration of Lal Masjid to find an amicable and peaceful solution to the issue.

He said, there is no question that the writ of government is being compromised on this issue, and added if the writ of the government will be challenged, the government will take action to ensure its writ.

Prime Minister Aziz said the response of the lawyers and workers of political parties to the issue of reference and its proceedings by the Supreme Judicial Council has diminished. He said on the last hearing there were few lawyers and political workers outside the Supreme Court.

Expressing solidarity with the journalists, on the incidents of torture of journalists during these protests, the Prime Minister cautioned that if any one will take the law in its hand, the government will take severe action against such elements.

He said the members of the CWC were briefed in detail about the hearing on the issue of reference by Senator Wasim Sajjad and they were informed that every thing is in accordance with the law and Constitution.

The Prime Minister said the reference is basically an enquiry and not a trial and the Supreme Judicial Council will prepare its recommendations which will be sent to the President.

President PML Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain briefing the newsmen said he briefed the members of the CWC about his meetings with the administration of the Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa. He said the negotiations are in the right and positive direction and expressed the hope that these talks will lead to a peaceful solution of the issue.

Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain said the patience of the government should not be considered as “weakness” adding that the government had all the resources to tackle the issue. He however said the government wants to resolve the issue of Jamia Hafsa through negotiations in a peaceful manner.

Chaudhry Shujaat said there has been positive development on the issue of Jamia Hafsa adding that the government would not even think to make any law against the Holy Quran and Sunnah.

Secretary General PML Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed briefing the newsmen said the CWC discussed political, economic and party issues in detail.

He said the members of the CWC also presented their point of view on the political situation and future line of action, especially with the cooperation and assistance of its coalition partners.

Mushahid said the meeting which was followed by the luncheon reception hosted by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz discussed all political and economic conditions of the country in a frank and open atmosphere.●