Translation to English: Sukkur: Senior leader of the People's Party, Khurshid Shah, has said that the decision to form a 16-month coalition government with the Pakistan Democratic Movement was a "mistake" and has asked for forgiveness for this action.
In a private TV interview, Khurshid Shah stated, "We were in that [government] for 16 months. We made a mistake, forgive us. We admit our mistake. We should leave the past behind and set a date for elections."
When asked again whether the PPP had made a mistake in participating in the previous coalition government, Shah reiterated, "I say, forgive us, we made a mistake. Are you sure now? Now, provide the election date."
They stated that the support of the People's Party was not for any specific government but to uphold democracy and the parliament. "We upheld the slogan 'Respect the vote,' and the PML(N) did not. Nevertheless, we ask for forgiveness because we were a part of the 16-month government, so forgive us," they said.
Regarding Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar's initial congratulations message to the PPP and subsequent allegations of bias against the PML(N), Shah clarified, "The PML(N) is a part of this [caretaker government], not us. We could have joined and obtained four ministries, but we felt that doing so could hinder timely elections."
They further emphasized that the fundamental goal of the PPP is to ensure the organization of elections in accordance with the constitution and the law. Khurshid Shah urged Nawaz Sharif to engage in dialogue with PPP's co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari to ensure peaceful elections.
The slogan "Respect the vote" should be upheld by the PML(N).