PML-Q and Functional League will contest elections under same symbol

Lahore : Those possessing Pakistani thinking will contest election on one symbol and platform.

This historic announcement has been made by Grand Democratic Alliance President Pir Sahib Pagara Syed Sibghatullah Shah Rashidi after meeting with Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q) President and former Prime Minister Ch Shujaat Hussain and senior central leader and former Deputy Prime Minister Ch Pervaiz Elahi here while addressing a joint press conference along with other leaders here today (Wednesday).

He said that that we invited all patriotic parties and personalities to join this alliance, no party has ended terrorism rather this is the result of great sacrifices of the Pak Army, respect of judiciary is essential, today is a historical day, now the alliance will be seen in four provinces.

Earlier, when Pir Sahib Pagara Syed Sibghatullah Shah Rashidi along with Muhammad Ali Durrani, Tariq Hassan and other leaders when reached at the residence of Chaudhry Sahibaan, he was very enthusiastically welcomed.

On this occasion, Ch Wajahat Hussain, Tariq Bashir Cheema, Kamil Ali Agha, Moonis Elahi, Hafiz Ammar Yasir, Mian Munir, Dr Azeemuddin Lakhvi and other leaders were also present.

Talking to media, Pir Sahib Pagara said that I have come here to meet Ch Shujaat Hussain and Ch Pervaiz Elahi, we all have to be united on one platform, 2013 caretaker government had spoiled election on which we were first to lodge protest, if such people come again then 2018 election will also not be fair and transparent, then it was their decision that in Punjab Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif should restricted to the limits of Lahore and Zardari to Sindh, in Sindh our 17 seats were given to the Peoples Party, now country cannot afford such circumstances, I have no desire for leadership, for uniting all parties will ask Chaudhry Sahib to start work, for the betterment of the country take all along, no party has eliminated terrorism, this is the work of the army, army is guarantee of national security and solidarity, politicians support criminals. He said I have brought Sindh alliance with me, Chaudhry Sahibaan should establish contact all parties.

 Ch Shujaat Hussain said relations between our and Pir Sahib families are very old, I have mentioned elder Pir Sahib in my book also, during arrest of Ch Zahoor Elahi we used to take guidance from him daily, instances of his courage have also been mentioned.

Ch Pervaiz Elahi said that for security, solidarity, stability and strengthening of national institutions all political parties are being brought together, party hatching conspiracies against armed forces of Pakistan and judiciary is in power for last 25 years, the army has offered great sacrifices, judiciary must be respected, Grand Democratic Alliance has been created at the federal level, for this next election will be contested on one platform and one symbol, this alliance will be symbol of national unity, solidarity and security, people should also vote for them, such leadership should come to the fore which earlier have done work and given result of national progress and peoples welfare, disqualified people have destroyed the country and economy, whereas newcomers say will work on coming.

He said that we are inviting all parties to gather under one flag, end of the party which was obstruction in the way of bring all Muslim Leaguers on one platform is near.

In reply to a question, he said there is no contact with N-League, work is being done for bringing together those having Muslim Leaguer and Pakistani mind on one platform, we will invite all parties including PTI to come along.