The Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leadership says it will not withdraw its candidate, Mushahid Hussain Sayed, from the presidential race because he has “the best credentials” of the three aspirants for the presidency. No bargain will be made with any party and the PML-Q will contest the September 6 presidential polls despite lacking the required numbers, PML-Q President Shujaat Hussain told the reporters. “The PML-Nawaz (PML-N) has not yet become an opposition party and is part of the ruling coalition,” Shujaat Hussain said. About his recent meeting with PML-N presidential candidate Jutice (r) Saeeduzzaman Siddiqui, he said he had told him that all contacts should be at the party level. Opposition leader in the National Assembly Chaudhry Pervez Elahi said the PML-Q would welcome back members of its forward bloc. “Our doors are open to everyone,” he said, adding, however, that the PML-Q would keep its identity intact. Those who used to call the PML-Q “qatil [killer] league” are now inclined towards it, Elahi said. Asked if the PML-Q would form an alliance with the PPP or the PML-N, Elahi said Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani had met him thrice, adding, “doors for dialogue are open to everyone”. __
