ISLAMABAD – Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Nisar Ali Khan on Monday categorically ruled out the possibility that his party would shoulder the falling government of Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, who has lost majority in the House.
“Let me clarify the impression or ambiguity that the PML-N will come forward to save the government if it loses majority in the National Assembly and consequently collapses,” Nisar told reporters outside the Parliament House. “PML-N should not be expected to rescue a government which is inept and corrupt,” Nisar said.
He, however, added that his party had called its central executive committee’s meeting in Islamabad today (Tuesday) to discuss the situation following the MQM’s decision to sit on the opposition benches.
He said the country was facing a difficult situation and the PML-N did not want the replacement of the government through any undemocratic means.
“We never tried to destabilise the government in the past and opposed it on all important issues, whether it was the issue of judges’ restoration or the reformed general sales tax.
We never compromised on issues of public importance and want that whatever is done to replace the government should be within democratic parameters,” Nisar said.
Khawaja Asif of the PML-N also separately told reporters that his party would not support the government if it lost majority in the House.
Hamza Shahbaz also expressed the view categorically, saying his party would not make any attempt to save the PPP government.
Meanwhile, Ahsan Iqbal and Saad Rafique said at a joint press conference outside parliament that their party had decided to start countrywide protests against the increase in petroleum prices and they would announce the schedule within two to three days.
“We have protested against the petroleum price hike in the House today, and now we will start countrywide protests. We will continue our protests within the House without obstructing the proceedings of the National Assembly,” Saad Rafique said.
He said the government had lost majority in the National Assembly, but it could remain in power if the problems of the people were resolved and corrupt ministers were ousted from offices.
