After Musharraf, Pak PM slams ruling coalition

In a meeting with federal ministers and parliamentarians in his chambers in the Parliament house, the prime minister called upon PML lawmakers to come forward and help the government.

Aziz urged them to attend parliamentary proceedings, defend the government’s point of view on issues and ensure quorum.

Yesterday, Musharraf had complained of a similar attitude by coalition partners who, he said, were leaving him in the lurch. Insiders attending the meeting of the ruling and allied parties here said Musharraf blasted leaders for their attitude and for the first time appeared visibly shaken.

“I feel disturbed for the first time”, Musharraf was quoted by participants at the meeting as saying.

In another development, the government lifted the ban on coverage of Parliament by issuing new passes to several media organisations. The country’s budget is scheduled to be presented on Saturday in the National Assembly.

Passes were cancelled yesterday after journalists walked out in protest against the ordinance issued by President Pervez Musharraf empowering officials of Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority to seal premises of channels and seize equipment.

Ruling in ex-CJ case delayed

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Supreme Court bench hearing the petition of suspended chief justice Iftikar M Chaudhry on Friday put off ruling on its maintainability till next week. The court will resume hearing on June 11. Meanwhile, lead attorney for Chaudhry, Aitaaz Ahsan accused top government officials of lying in affidavits that denied Chaudhry’s account of his ouster. PTI