Durrani Hints Musharraf-Opposition Dialogue
By Aziz Malik 'Pakistan Times' Federal Bureau Chief

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Muhammad Ali Durrani Sunday hinted at a direct interaction of President Pervez Musharraf with the opposition parties, if the opposition publicly accepts the president and the parliament.

"We have no secret deal with any political party but we are in contact with the opposition parties. If the opposition parties want a direct dialogue with President Pervez Musharraf, they would have to endorse the parliament which comprises President, Senate and the National Assembly," he said in response to a question regarding Ms Benazir Bhutto's desire of a direct dialogue with President Musharraf.

The minister was talking to a group of journalists here at his residence. On the recent interview of President Musharraf to a private TV channel, Senator Durrani said that the president expressed his views in a bold and trustworthy manner.

"This was an interview of a bold, true and an open-minded statesman. His interview was a proof that the government does not want to hide anything from the people and it believed in taking the public into confidence on national issues," he said.

To a question regarding Lal Masjid, he said this is all very unfortunate but the government is observing restraint due to its respect for the mosque and human lives. Whatever is happening within and outside the mosque in the name of Islam is unfortunate, he added.

"The civil society, the government, the media and the opposition are one over this issue and all sides are expressing their disapproval over the bid to create law and order situation. The government would resolve this issue as per the aspirations of the masses and the civil society organizations," he said.

In response to a question regarding any operation against the Lal Masjid authorities, Senator Durrani said this was up to the attitude of Lal Masjid authorities, the government would respond to their attitude.

He said that the sloganeering in the Senate and National Assembly sessions are weakening the democracy.

"The confrontation always weakens the democracy and the sloganeering of 'no no' and 'go go' are weakening the democratic institutions. The parliament is a forum to hold talks and dialogue. But whenever this forum is used for confrontation, this loses its credibility," he said while answering a question.

He said this attitude also results into losing the confidence of the masses into the political process. He said the parliament would have to play a proactive role in this regard.

He urged the opposition to carry on dialogue process in the parliament rather than adopting confrontation tactics. He said the strengthening of the national institutions was beneficial for all and no institution should be targeted for political gains.

"Strengthening the judiciary, press and parliament is beneficial for the state and its people. It would be unfortunate if the entire process is exploited for petty political gains. There is a dire need to ensure a cordial environment to hold dialogue," he said.

He said since this is an election year, all the political parties should focus on efforts to form consensus for holding of fair, free and impartial general elections. He said the government would make efforts to negate any effort to create confrontation within the masses by any side. All measures would be adopted to ensure safety for all, he added.

To a query regarding MQM, Senator Durrani said that MQM is a coalition partner and the coalition has resolved all its issues through dialogue process during the last four and a half years.

"The coalition has set a new precedent of excellent coordination and cooperation during the period. We would also hold talks if any issue emerges in the near future," he said.

Replying to a question regarding the reported resignation of Tourism Minister Nilofar Bakhtiyar, Senator Durrani said he had come to know the news through the media. However, the Prime Minister has returned today. We would also have to see whether the PM Secretariat has received the resignation or not," he said.

Senator Durrani said the opposition is passing through divisions within its ranks which are further deepening.
"This is an agenda-less opposition which is divided and shattered due to different programmes and different views on each and every subject. The opposition is also facing leadership crisis and they are ready to follow each and every leader they deem fit," he said without naming any entity.

"This divided opposition is now seeking for its leadership. At times they take the sub-judice matters on roads, at times it takes the Lal Masjid issue and at times it takes up enlightened moderation.

As the opposition has no public support, it thinks that such issues could result into a regime change," he said and added that this opposition even cannot hold an all parties conference due to its differences. He urged the opposition to shun negative tactics and use the parliament to discuss the issues.

"This opposition is playing 'boycott game' in the parliament. After boycotting the parliament the Oppositions MPs go to the parliament lodges and sleep at the cost of the exchequer of the people of Pakistan," he said and added that the opposition should know that their London-based leadership cannot give them public support.

He said the present government has full public support and it has adopted a different approach while the opposition parties even could not bear difference of opinion.

"Our government believes in public mandate. We confess our mistakes publicly. We believe in dialogue process and allow the right of difference of opinion. We have passed bills with the support of opposition parties in the parliament," he said.

To a question regarding Benazir Bhutto's assertion that the government should convene a national conciliation meeting, Senator Durrani said the government has already convened parliament session on June 9, and all the issues should be discussed at the floor of the House.

Regarding the exiled leadership, Senator Durrani said they should wait for the upcoming polls and see what response they get from the people of Pakistan. He urged Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif to shun the politics of intrigues and adopt dialogue process.●