December 2006
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December 2006 |
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News Archives
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December 2006
70% Pakistanis want Bhutto to return
Bhutto pleads for interfaith harmony
She said this in a message to the interfaith Christmas dinner organized by the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance at a local hotel in Islamabad on Tuesday. Complimenting the APMA and its Chairman Shabaz Bhatti for taking this initiative the former Prime Minister said that she was delighted that the Alliance had brought together on one table on a festive occasion representatives of different religions. She said that the specific reference in the Holy Quran to the existence of righteous people among followers of other scriptures provided a foundational principle on which the edifice of interfaith harmony rested. The Charter of Madinah and the permission given by the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) to the Christian delegation to pray in the Mosque were shining examples of interfaith harmony ’from which we must draw appropriate lessons’, she said.
Musharraf could call early elections, says Abida
Talking to newsmen here she declared that the ARD parties were gearing up their cadres for an early election. Begum Abida Hussain, who recently joined PPP in London, also welcomed the PML-N central leader Jamshid Ahmed Khan who quit the Nawaz League and joined the PPP. A social worker Sadia Jawaid also announced to join the party at the residence of PML-Q’s women wing leader Begum Rahat Jawaid on Tuesday. Begum Abida Hussain hinted that Gen Pervez Musharraf has three options and he could call the general election in March-April or July-August or anytime next year. When asked about PPP’s indication of contesting elections even under Gen Pervez Musharraf, she said the PPP had already demanded some pre-conditions in this regard and declared that the option to boycott always exists and it could be exercised if the situation so demanded. Abida Hussain, however, said that the ARD wants constitutional governance in Pakistan as well as exit of extra-constitutional dispensation from the country. She said that the MQM and PML(Q) were the favourite parties of Gen Musharraf and he had exposed his partisan by soliciting people’s support for those who supported him and were personally loyal to the military ruler. She said such a situation indicates that the election might not be held in fair, free and impartial manner. Referring to the remarks of Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhri Pervez Elahi that PML-Q would elect Musharraf for as many times as he would contest for the top slot, even in uniform, Begum Abida Hussain said this statement has exposed the inner weakness of the present Q-League leadership. She said now the ball was in Gen Musharraf’s court, adding, let his inner voice guide him to decide whether he (Musharraf) would respond to the call of the people or would he listen to those self-seekers who had joined the bandwagon of military-led dispensation to achieve their own targets. Abida Hussain pointed out that Gen Musharraf’s weakness got exposed in his Khanewal speech when he announced to build Kalabagh Dam, provide bullet train and several other development projects in the PPP stronghold, which also happen to be the constituency of her husband Fakhr Imam. Rejecting Musharraf’s comments that he would not allow Benazir Bhutto and Mian Nawaz Sharif to return to Pakistan and take part in the elections, the PPP leader said that it was up to the people to vote for their leaders and give the mandate to any party. She also rejected the apprehension of Gen Musharraf that the two opposition leaders would destabilise Pakistan after returning to the country. “Both Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif are not interested in agitation and destabilising the country because they want elections to be held without any pressure and under a government of national consensus comprising representatives of all parties and the election results are announced by the returning officers directly instead of the Chief Election Commissioner in Islamabad. The PPP leader said if Gen Musharraf was not afraid of people’s verdict then he should accept it openly and without any ifs and buts. If Chaudhry Pervez Elahi was confident of his performance then he should say that he would accept the people’s verdict come what may instead of saying that he would elect Musharraf as many times as he desired, even in uniform, she added. Abida said that the PPP has advantage in the rural Punjab and the name of Bhutto evokes emotions in the hearts and minds of the rural poor and the downtrodden community. She said the PML(N) enjoys support in the urban areas, especially among the industrialists and the business community, as Nawaz belonged to the business and traders community. She, however, added that the ARD leaders would take up the elections in the spirit of Charter of Democracy that provides the guiding principles. To a question Begum Abida believed that the current spate of skirmishes between MQM and the PML (Q) in Punjab was a part of Gen Musharraf’s game plan of divide and rule. “The general wants both the parties to remain under perpetual fear of each other, especially when some sections of the ruling dispensation felt that the Chaudhris needed to be roped in because they had become very strong in Punjab and as a consequence becoming unmanageable,” she added.
PPP to take control of Punjab from PML, says Qureshi
Punjab PPP president and deputy parliamentary leader Makhdoom Shah Mehmud Qureshi said this while addressing the Multan District Bar Association here on Tuesday. DBA president Syed Athar Shah Bukhari was also present. Paying tributes to lawyers for services to democracy, he said the DBA had continued its political activities when ideology and politics was a crime and lawyers provided an environment for democratic norms. He said all lawyers, including from Multan, had played a key role in the struggle for democracy, social justice and rule of law. He said that unfortunately the judiciary had provided a safe way to the 'law of necessity' and it not only defamed the country in the world but also protected the dictatorship. "Pervez Musharraf in or without uniform is not acceptable to the PPP at any stage. Repeated military interventions and sacking of elected governments have weakened the federation and Musharraf himself has admitted this reality," he said. "The PPP has been deprived of power in Punjab for the last 30 years through conspiracies, but now the party has determined to snatch its status from the plotters."
Nawaz -Bhutto 'grand alliance' talks to begin soon
According to the Daily Times, Sharif, leader of PML (N), was already in touch with Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e- Insaaf Party and Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Ameer Qazi Hussein over this issue. The leaders are discussing necessary mechanisms to bring all the opposition parties together on a single platform and launch a movement against General Musharraf. Last week, Imran Khan had met Sharif for the first time since the latter's exile, in London. It was reported that Imran had brought a message from MMA President Qazi Hussain Ahmed for Sharif. Musharraf had recently warned Sharif of not contemplating returning home before the end of his 10-year entry ban. But this has not deterred Sharif, who is learnt to have said that he was determined to return and participate in the next year's elections.
No deal between democracy, dictatorship, says Fahim
There will be no deal between democracy and dictatorship, he said while talking to the journalists. He said that rumours about PPP's deal with government is totally baseless. We do not accept the suggestions of President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Kashmir dispute and this issue should be resolved according to the aspirations of Kashmiris and UN resolutions.
PPPP to contest
elections even if held under Musharraf: Qureshi
"We will not leave the electoral field open for the government and will contest the next elections, come what may," he said while addressing a press conference along with Farzana Raja, the party’s information secretary in the Punjab, here on Friday. He said the party would never allow the government to repeat the “façade” of the presidential referendum and the stealing of the people’s verdict as it was done in the year 2002. He said PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto will lead the party in the coming elections, as she will return once the election schedule is announced. He refuted the claims of any deal with the government, saying that the PPP will not share its vote bank and credibility with those who take refuge under the military leadership. "Neither in the past nor in the future will the PPP compromise with the dictators. It will continue its struggle for the restoration of democracy with democratic forces of the country.” Qureshi said he accepted the post of party president of the Punjab with a challenge to form a government of the party in the provinces. "For the last 30 years, the PPP has been denied the opportunity to form government in the Punjab and, after the next elections, Benazir Bhutto will become prime minister for the third time to implement its manifesto," he added. He was of the view that the PPPP will face no challenge from the sitting government of the PML as during its tenure the law and order situation in the province deteriorated, the suicide rate increased due to economic policies of the government and there was a rift between the district government. "To accommodate people, the ministries and departments are bifurcating the Punjab, which shows that the government is losing its grip in the Punjab.” He said that people were confused with the policies of the PML-Q in the province as the crime rate was increasing. He said PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif is very popular among the masses in the Punjab and the people want to vote for him instead of the Q-League. He lamented that the agricultural production has also gone down in the last four years. "Small farmer is facing difficulty in getting fertilizer and the sugarcane crushing couldn't start despite new contract given to sugarcane mill owners," he added. Shah Mehmood said the PPPP has decided to take up the Karachi Stock Exchange scam in the upcoming session of the National Assembly and demanded of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to investigate the matter of corruption. " Why NAB is silent despite so much uproar on the Karachi Stock market scam," he questioned. He stressed that government should setup an independent Election Commission to make the elections transparent. Meanwhile Indian and Iranian Ambassadors to Pakistan, S.B.J Pal and Mashallah Shakri met with Mukhdoom Amin Fahim and discussed bilateral, regional and international affairs. The meeting lasted for quite a while on Friday. He briefed both ambassadors about the steps being taken to restore democracy in the country.
Musharraf ahead
of Benazir, Nawaz in popularity poll
 ISLAMABAD,
Dec 15: General Pervez Musharraf is more popular in Pakistan than
Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, according to the findings of the research
wing of the US Republican Party.The survey ranked Ms Bhutto and Mr Sharif second and third, respectively, in terms of popularity after President Musharraf. The survey was ordered by the International Republican Institute (IRI) of the party and conducted in September. Dawn has obtained the survey’s broad findings which are yet to be made public and many of which would make politicians sit up. IRI officials made a PowerPoint presentation -- second after the one in June -- to Benazir Bhutto in Dubai last week and Nawaz Sharif in London earlier.  Their reaction to the findings is not known but the two exiled leaders can take heart that more people now want them to be allowed to return home to contest the next general election -- 70 per cent against 66 per cent in June. Pakistan People’s Party Chairperson Benazir Bhutto should be happy that she beat President Musharraf in popularity in Sindh. She may have to rearrange her cards to deal with the most popular ‘political personality’ in Pakistan, according to the survey. The survey showed some changes in the voters’ perception of the political landscape since IRI’s earlier survey conducted in June. The survey rated the PPP ‘the most favoured party in Sindh and the NWFP’ while it comes No2 in Balochistan and No3 in Punjab.  According
to the survey, MMA leads in Balochistan while the PML-Q is at the top in
Punjab, followed by Mr Sharif’s PML-N. Popular “political personalities” are
rated on a scale from 1 to 5. Gen Pervez Musharraf emerges at the top with
3.47 points, Benazir trailing with 3.31 points, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz
3.18 and Nawaz Sharif 3.17.However, Ms Bhutto is far ahead of Gen Musharraf in terms of popularity in Sindh, where she has been rated at 3.91, and Gen Musharraf at 3.1. A finding of concern to the opposition will be that 37 per cent of the respondents said that “PML-Q deserved to be re-elected”. PML-Q was found to be a shade more popular than Ms Bhutto’s PPP at the national level, their respective ratings being 3.4 and 3.3. However, in Sindh the PPP is at the top with a rating of 3.84, while the PML-Q scored only 
2.8. The PML-N occupied third place in the country and in Sindh with
respective scores of 3.09 and 2.45.To the question which party they would vote for “if the elections for National Assembly are held next week,” 27.4 per cent respondents named PML-Q and 22 per cent the PPP. But in Sindh 46 per cent of the respondents said they would vote for PPP and 14 per cent for PML-Q. Another surprising finding was that 22 per cent of the respondents thought Shaukat Aziz would be the “best prime minister”. On that count, Ms Bhutto scored a respectable 19 per cent and Nawaz Sharif only 11 per cent. A significant 16 per cent did not know who can be the best prime minister. In the previous survey, Ms Bhutto was at the top of the ‘best prime minister’ category. It appeared that somehow Mr Aziz improved his public standing in just three months. Fifty-two per cent of the respondents believed that elections under a neutral caretaker government would be more transparent. Opposition parties have been saying that free and fair polls cannot be held under Gen Musharraf. But 36 per cent of the respondents disagreed with that notion. It would also worry the opposition that 37 per cent of the people surveyed believed that the "current ruling coalition has done its job well enough to deserve re-election" with 36 per cent opposing the re-election of the regime on the basis of its performance. The respondents were equally divided in response to the question whether things in Pakistan were moving in the ‘right direction’. As many as 44 per cent said that Pakistan was heading towards ‘wrong direction’ but 43 per cent believed that the rulers had put the country back on right track.  While
24 per cent of the people surveyed mentioned inflation and unemployment as
the ‘two most important problems’ confronting people, 34 per cent believed
the economic situation would improve ‘next year’ with 28 per cent expecting
the same economic conditions to prevail next year.Similarly, 26 per cent people said their personal economic condition had improved since the 2002 general election. But for 35 per cent, it remained unchanged while for another 35 per cent the economic situation worsened over the past four years.
Bhutto, Sharif parties reject IRI report
 Islamabad
12/18/2006: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) led by Benazir
Bhutto and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led by Nawaz Sharif have
rejected as ‘baseless’ the observation of a survey conducted by the
International Republican Institute (IRI) that President Pervez Musharraf was
more popular than Benazir and Sharif. The two major opposition parties, which had earlier preferred to keep silent after their heads were briefed by IRI representatives in Dubai and London about the survey, reacted only after the findings were published in newspapers. The IRI, a research wing of the US Republican Party, had conducted the survey in Pakistan in September. “I contest and challenge the IRI (survey’s findings and) if they insist on the veracity of their survey, they should persuade Gen Musharraf to shed his uniform and contest election for any provincial or federal legislature against a PPP candidate in an open, free and fair election,” said Farhatullah Babar, a spokesman for Benazir. “I am sure the IRI will have to recompense Gen Musharraf the security deposit that he will forfeit in such an election,” he added. Asked why the party had not disclosed the survey’s findings when Bhutto was given a detailed presentation in Dubai, he said he had been waiting for a media briefing by PPP Secretary-General Raja Pervez Ashraf, who was also present in the meeting with IRI representatives on December 9. Raja Zafarul Haq, the PML-N chairman, rejected the IRI findings, terming them baseless and wrong. He said the survey’s authenticity could be judged from the fact that it had not only declared Musharraf as the most popular leader, but also adjudged the ruling PML as the most popular political party.
Me, My Children
and Musharraf
Mediocre would be too harsh a word. I was an average student in seventies as were many of my pals and buddies- and like all average Kashmiri students I also admired Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for his articulation. I liked him for his supremely beautiful presentations on Kashmir in the United Nation’s. I admired him for removing the stigma of ‘client state’ which Pakistan had earned as a member of SEATO and SANTO military pact. Oldies saw legendary Sir Zafarullah Khan of forties and fifties reborn in him. I do not know if they had ever heard his speech but it was at the tip of tongue of everyone squatting in mosque hamams during winters that he had not only overwhelmed Indian representatives but made the lion of Kashmir to mew- and as Nehru Secretary O. Mathai puts it he made word ‘stooge’ and ‘quisling’ stick to him to the disadvantage of Indian interests and changed this asset of Nehru into a liability for India. I had read Sir Zafarullah’s marathon speech- I admired his skill as a powerful advocate but listening makes a difference. Bhutto we heard – we watched him on television, speaking as an ace politician, diplomat and statesman, we heard him as a rubble rouser- a great rhetorician. In sixties and seventies he was darling of students’ community- even friends though, few influenced by Maulana Mawdudi’s literature who opposed him for his vague concept of Islamic-socialism admired him for his Kashmir policy. Many students parroted his speeches marked by alliterations: The people of Kashmir were in revolt unmistakably in revolt. The problem can be settled, will be settled, has to be settled only then would Pakistan live in peace with great neighbor in Pakistan’.
Bhutto, Sharif
can become PM with president's nod
Ahsan said the Parliament could not undo the restriction, even with a two-thirds majority, if the president did not give his consent. "If the president consents to their becoming prime minister for a third term, the Parliament can pass a bill with a simple majority to remove the obstacle," he said. Bhutto and Sharif have been disqualified from becoming prime minister for a third term through the Qualification to Hold Public Offices Order, 2002, of the Chief Executive’s Order No 19 of 2002, which has been made part of the Sixth Schedule under the 17th Amendment to the Constitution. Article 268(2) of the Constitution says: "The laws specified in the Sixth Schedule shall not be altered, repealed or amended (expressly or impliedly) without the previous sanction of the president (accorded after consultation with the prime minister)." Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Sher Afgan Niazi said a bill passed with a simple majority by the Parliament would be enough to do away with this third term bar, but the legislation needed the prior approval of the president. "The president can do away with this condition even by a presidential order, but he is unlikely to oblige them unless the two agree to his terms and conditions," he said. PML Senator SM Zafar, a constitutional expert, said: "Generally speaking, Nawaz Sharif can neither return to the country nor contest the elections, under the agreement guaranteed by a third government. "As far the case of Benazir Bhutto is concerned, she is not under any such agreement and can contest the election provided there is no conviction against her. Though she has to face court cases pending against her if she returns, she is not handicapped like Nawaz Sharif." Zafar was referring to an alleged agreement between Sharif and the Musharraf government, backed by the Saudi government, under which Sharif must stay in exile for 10 years from the time he left the country. However, there are no indications that the president, as long as he is in the driving seat, will allow either Bhutto or Sharif to become prime minister again. He has repeatedly said that the two would not come into power again.
KARACHI: Govt discrediting political parties, says PPP
He said the regime had deliberately tried to damage PPP’s image by propagating that the party had been in secret dialogue with the government. Now, the same ministers were saying in categorical terms that there was no such thing, he pointed out. Nisar Khuhro, who was here in connection with a court appearance in Eshwar Lal case, reaffirmed PPP’s commitment and said its struggle would continue for democracy and supremacy of the Constitution by dislodging dictatorship of all sorts with people’s power. He criticised the regime for mounting employment, soaring prices, continuing power outage, victimization of political dissent, and the precarious law and order situation across the country. He criticised the federal and provincial governments for pursuing the controversial Kalabagh dam project despite the fact it had been rejected by the provincial assembly as well as the people at large. He was of the view that there could be no free, fair and transparent elections under General Musharraf’s dispensation. He said some politicians had been made the punching pad for a long time and they paid with their life for their mistakes. In an environment where terrorism was rife and the writ of law evaporated, the rule on gunpoint had completely eroded the moral authority of the State, he said. Leader of the opposition referred to reports of dissension within the ruling PML-Q and said the trend was reflective of the sinking ship. He said while some of them had looked towards the PML-F many had also approached the PPP for taking them into its fold. He said the ‘usurper regime’ failed in providing basic facilities and rights to the people and adopted coercive means to suppress their voice. He said a single man was playing with the destiny of the whole nation and emphasised that it was high time for the people to strike a final blow to the dictatorship of General Musharraf through their unity and courageous steadfastness. Nisar Khuhro also criticised the regime for instituting ‘illegal and politically motivated’ cases against Benazir Bhutto, Asif Zardari and others. He said the usurpation of rights, coercion, price-hike, insecurity, power failures and water shortages had brought the people on street. The coercive policies of the regime would not deter the PPP cadre to be cowed down and give up its struggle, he said. Referring to his indictment in the FIR lodged against him and four other MPAs, Mr Khuhro said it was regrettable as he was not involved in the incident. He said he would face the legal battle and added that the lodging of FIR against him and four other PPP MPAs by the ruling party member Eshwar Lal was an afterthought and a tool of harassing the voice of those who challenged the government on principles.
We must learn
lessons of history
In a message today Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto recalled that the military dictatorship of Generals Ayub and General Yahya Khan sowed the seeds for and oversaw the disintegration of the country. Remembering that black day, the former Prime Minister said that two more military dictatorships since then had sowed the seeds of hatred in the smaller provinces. She said that the military operation in Balochistan as well as the clashes between the military and the Taliban in the tribal areas demonstrated that the only option in Pakistan is the political option and not the military option. She said that while the military option resulted in the break up of Pakistan into two pieces in 1971, the restoration of democracy under Quaid e Awam saved Pakistan from disintegrating further. She said that Quaid e Awam was a great leader whose power came from the masses and therefore the people were able to climb the highest mountains of success under his leadership. Noting that the military Generals have been ruling Pakistan directly or indirectly since 1977 for nearly twenty five years, except for a brief period of five years of democratic government, Mohtarma said that the problem in the country was military rule and the solution was the restoration of democracy. She said that the murder of Nawab Bugti had acted as a catalyst for the pent up fury of Pakistan's largest province Balochistan where there was now an on going military operation resulting in loss of lives on both sides as well as greater anger and alienation from the centre. Mohtarma Bhutto said that restoration of democracy would solve the peoples problems, provide Roti, Kapra Aur Makaan, end the alienation of the people of Balochistan by giving them their due rights, restore peace to the tribal areas and with the help of the local people eliminate the domination of the extremists whose presence has created conflict and provide roads, electricity, drinking water, jobs and other basic necessities. She called upon the people of Pakistan to support the Pakistan Peoples Party irrespective of whether they were in the private or government sector. Mohtarma said that the Nation was to be saved by its masses. She said she has great faith in the people of Pakistan who rebuilt the country after the fall of Dacca and who always voted for the highest and most noble principles of human dignity, freedom, economic emancipation and equal opportunity when given the chance. She said that the people of Pakistan deserve a great future and they can have this future once the constitution is restored, the rule of law returns and egalitarian policies are followed.
State land being doled out to feudals: PPP
He was speaking at a gathering in Dabbar Mohalla here on Thursday. Khadim Hussain Dharejo, former district general secretary Sindh National Front, announced joining the PPP on the occasion. “Martial laws and mini-martial laws imposed on the country during the last 30 years deprived people of their basic rights, including their right to vote,” said Mr Shah, adding that all military rulers tried to keep people away from the political process. “People of Sindh have been treated like slaves,” he said. He said the chief minister Sindh was himself addressing press conferences to disclose inefficiency and corruption of Sindh Public Service Commission and illegal selection in government services “which is a proof of the failure of government.” The PPP leader said that corruption was rampant in all provincial departments. “Sindh is suffering due to differences between the MQM and the chief minister,” he said, adding: “Unemployment is at its peak. Graduates are applying for the posts of peon and police constables, but fail to get even these jobs.” He said that the PPP, under the leadership of Benazir Bhutto, was fighting for the cause of poor people. He said Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was offered a 10-year exile by the then army rulers but he refused. Mr Shah said by coming into power, the PPP would cancel all those sales of properties which had been made through fake documents. Corruption would be revealed to people and the whole world, he added. Earlier, Khadim Hussain Dharejo said that he started his political career as a nationalist leader, but soon realised that the programme that all nationalist parties were claiming to pursue, was only being practised by the PPP.
PPP to sweep
elections: Qureshi
Qureshi said the days of the Punjab chief minister were over, and the PPP would regain power in the country’s biggest province as a result of the next election. Lahore president Haji Azizur Rahman Chan presided over the convention, which was also addressed by Senator Dr Safdar Abbasi, MNA Naheed Khan, provincial secretary-general Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas, Zafar Masood Bhatty and Zakariya Butt. Qureshi said he would hold public meetings in every zone of Lahore to mobilise the people. Other speakers said Ms Bhutto would return to Pakistan before the next elections and would set a new record by becoming prime minister for a third time. Shah Mahmood Qureshi also presided over a meeting of presidents of Bahawalpur and Sargodha divisions and discussed with them potential candidates the party could put up on NA and provincial seats in the next elections. Irfan Abdullah and Malik Aziz submitted their recommendations for every constituency. Now a meeting of the provincial executive of the party is due to be held at the party secretariat in Faisal Town on Tuesday (today). Presidents of the remaining divisions will submit their recommendations before the executive. According to information secretary Farzana Raja, preparations to receive Ms Bhutto on her return to Pakistan and party’s organisational matters will also come under discussion. Secretary-General Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas and Abdul Qadir Shaheen also attended the Monday meeting.
PPP rebuts
Federal Minister
"Mohtarma is needed by the Nation to fight poverty, inflation and unemployment and resolve the problems of the people" said the PPP spokesperson in a statement today. He was commenting today on the statement of a Federal Minister predicting that the Mohtarma Bhutto will stay out and the PPP-P will participate in election 2007 as pro Musharaf Party. The spokesperson rejected the analysis as "out of touch with ground realities on PPP planning". He said that the PPP will contest elections seeking the restoration of democracy to end the military operation in Balauchistan, bring peace and development to the tribal areas and solve the electricity, water, lack of roads, health facilities and education opportunities of the people under the leadership of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto no matter what the regime says or does. “If people of Pakistan wish to elect her, no one can stop Mohtarma Bhutto from becoming the Prime Minister for the third time as well ”. He said that elections would be a farce if the people of Pakistan were denied their democratic right to choose their representatives without which the problems of the people could not be solved. He noted that poverty had increased and the citizens of the country were worse off. Even fertiliser was not available in time, water was in shortage, power shut downs were adversely affecting the economy of the country and the youth were not getting jobs. To continue to deny democracy and perpetuating dictatorship was against the national interest which demanded that through Quaid e Azam and Quaid e Awam's vision, there should be democracy, peace, justice and economic opportunity, he said. He said that engineered elections without the participation of popular leadership would only compound the political crisis that is threatening the federation. The spokesman said that to build a modern democratic Pakistan where there is progress and prosperity for the people it was essential to hold fair and free elections and provide a level playing field for all political parties and leaders. The Party reiterates that Mohtarma Bhutto as the leader of the working classes of Pakistan will return to lead the people to victory in the next general elections. The spokesperson also said that the PPP has made no offer to any of the Ministers to contest from its platform although many persons including those in the Cabinet are approaching it.
PPP Workers to appear before local court today
About fifty activists of the Party including Ms Naheed Khan MNA, Nayyer Bokhari MNA, ex Senator Farhatullah Babar, Qazi Sultan Mahmood, Syed Ibrar Rizvi, Abdul Majeed Rizvi, Babar Minhas, Syed Ibn-i-Rivi, Shahnawaz, Shabbir Babar, Jehangir Akhtar and Sohail Rumi besides others have been charged with demonstrating in front of the Parliament building on April 22, 1998. The case was registered when PPP activists staged a protest rally outside the Parliament House against the anti-terrorism legislation, which gave sweeping powers to the executive. The demonstrators were forcibly dispersed when the police resorted to baton charge resulting in injury to many Party workers and activists. The protestors were demanding review of the law. Later the Supreme Court struck down various provisions of the proposed legislation including the one relating to the setting up of military courts to try terror cases. A large number of protestors were arrested on the spot and sent to jail. Initially the accused were booked under the anti-terror law against which they were protesting. Later however the government withdrew the terrorism charges and booked the protestors under eight different sections of the Criminal Procedure Code. Meanwhile the PPP has asked all those named in the FIR to appear before the court today (Tuesday)
PPP scents winds of change
Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, addressing a reception in the constituency of MNA Aitzaz Ahsan in Mughalpura on Sunday evening, said if the elections were fair and transparent the Chaudhrys would not only lose Punjab, but also their own hometown Gujrat. Aitzaz Ahsan, Qasim Zia, Azizur Rahman Chan, Altaf Qureshi, Naveed Chaudhry, Zakariya Butt, Sajida Mir and Uzma Bukhari also addressed. Qureshi has consistently been targetting the Chaudhrys since he assumed his new responsibility in the party, and is determined to “liberate” Punjab from their control. He said a number of MNAs and MPAs of the ruling party were contacting him with a desire to join the PPP. Already, he said, a PML MPA from Faisalabad had joined the PPP. So far, he said, he had addressed three major public meetings and, despite all obstacles created by the rulers, had received a tremendous response. Now, he said, the government had started invoking Section 144 to disallow rallies which amply proved that it had got nervous. Qureshi said although the government had disallowed the PPP to hold a rally in Sialkot on Tuesday, he would go ahead, defying all restrictions. He said the Punjab chief minister was holding public meetings using the state resources after which he was left with no justification to disallow the PPP to get in contact with its supporters and followers. Referring to the results of the 2002 elections, the PPP leader said his party had got the highest number of votes compared to all rivals despite the fact that Ms Benazir Bhutto was out of the country. He said the situation would turn further in favour of the PPP in the 2007 elections as Ms Bhutto would not only return but also lead the campaign. Qureshi said the chief minister had made changes in his cabinet and inducted a number of more ministers in a lame attempt at improving his position. He said such steps would no longer be of any help to the rulers as the situation was changing fast. He said he would visit all 25 party zones in Lahore to prepare the workers for an unprecedented welcome to Ms Bhutto on her return to Pakistan. MNA Aitzaz Ahsan defended the PPP’s support to the women’s rights bill, and said it should not be taken as backing to Gen Musharraf or an attempt to strike a deal with him. The PPP, he said, could support even more laws proposed by the present rulers to give the women their due rights as the party was committed to giving the women all their rights. But, he said, the party policy about the general would remain unchanged. “We are not for a deal.” Referring to the criticism that the PPP had failed to amend the Hudood ordinances during its own tenures, Aitzaz Ahsan said during both the stints of Ms Bhutto the party did not have majority in the Senate which was mandatory to pass any law.
PPP will come
into power if fair elections held, says Qaim
He said that a caretaker government was vital to conduct fair and impartial elections and restore shattered confidence of people in elections. He said that Benazir Bhutto would arrive before polls in 2007 and participate in the elections. Commenting on the performance of the government, he said by scraping major projects of Benazir government including Keti Bunder fish harbour, a 500MW power house in Thatta district and other such projects the government had deprived people of their livelihood resources. Rashid Rabbani, MPA Humera Alwani, Maula Bux Chandio, Arbab Wazir Ahmed Memon and Pir Rehmani also spoke on the occasion. Talking to reporters at the Thatta press club, Qaim Ali Shah said that his party had never and would not compromise on issues and interests of Sindh. He said that the PPP had always remained unchanged on the issues of controversial water projects and now opposing sale of islands and disposal of lands in Thatta to non-locals. He said that the PML was a brainchild of Gen Pervez Musharraf and having no roots in masses and the next general elections if held fair and impartial would prove his claim. He said that sensing the political change in Pakistan, people affiliated with the PML and the MQM where vehemently applying to join the PPP. He said that those who betrayed the party would never be accepted in party ranks. He denied any pact and compromise with Gen Pervez Musharraf.
Mohtarma Bhutto condoles with Idrees Bakhtiar over his father's death
Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto in a condolence letter to renowned journalist Idrees Bakhtiar wrote, "Senator Asif Ali Zardari and I are deeply grieved to hear about the sad demise of your father. The death of one's Father is a great personal tragedy and our sympathies are with you at this difficult time. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and convey the same to other members of the bereaved family." She also prayed to Almighty Allah for eternal peace to the deceased's soul and courage and fortitude to the family members to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity.
KARACHI: Big
rally held to mark PPP’s founding day
Speaking at a big public meeting organised by the party’s Sindh chapter in the open area behind the Bilawal House, they predicted a landslide victory for the PPP in the forthcoming general elections, and said the party never believed in ‘deals’ but only in ‘rule by people’. They said they would never give up Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s mission being carried forward by Ms Benazir Bhutto and were ready to offer any sacrifice for the restoration of the rights of common man. The venue of the public meeting was decorated with countless flags of Pakistan and PPP, besides banners and posters inscribed with slogans against military rule and in favour of Benazir Bhutto and democracy. Presided over by PPP Sindh chief Syed Qaim Ali Shah, the meeting was attended by thousands of party leaders, activists and supporters who had come from across the province. The jubilant activists were constantly raising slogans welcoming Benazir Bhutto and dancing on the tunes of party songs being played everywhere in the vicinity. Their slogans would often disrupt the speeches of the leaders. Recalling the circumstances in which the late Bhutto had founded the party, Syed Qaim Ali Shah said that the great leader had challenged the dictatorship of Ayub Khan and had announced launch of a struggle for the restoration of people’s democratic rights. For the purpose, he said, Z. A. Bhutto founded Pakistan People’s Party in 1967 and with in the next three years, he succeeded in bringing down Ayub Khan and his dictatorship. He brought the PPP to power through the ballots and gave voice to the oppressed masses of the country. Mr Shah said the late Bhutto always served masses sincerely and selflessly and this was the sole reason for his party’s unscathed popularity across the country and abroad even 39 years after its birth. Ruling out any deal with the rulers, he said PPP never indulged in deals to gain powers, as such things were for weak parties and not for a most popular political entity like PPP.
Mohtarma Bhutto
recalls founding principles of Party
"This November we celebrate the 39th anniversary of the founding day of the Pakistan Peoples Party, a party that was to sweep like a tidal wave across Pakistan awakening the people to their destiny of empowerment, fundamental rights, representative government and justice. "I pay tribute to our martyrs who laid down their lives while facing the oppressors and the tyrants and who with their courage gave the voiceless a voice, the weak strength and the motivation to all to strive for worthy goals no matter what the odds. I recall all those who were whipped and tortured. I recall those who spent years in prison, whose homes were raided, who were tear gassed and baton charged, whose jobs were snatched from them, whose livelihoods were destroyed and family lives disrupted but who forever upheld the flag of the Party raising the morale of the people of our land struggling for their federal, democratic and basic rights. "On the founding day of this great Party formed by Quaid-e-Awam Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Shaheed, I compliment the workers who were his strength, my strength, the party's strength and the wealth of the Nation. I am proud of the PPP workers who have never wavered in their quest for a modern, progressive Pakistan with equality and opportunity for all irrespective of race, religion or gender. "In a country where sixty percent of the people live on the edges of poverty, the slogan given by the PPP reverberates from the Khyber Pass to the Arabian Ocean, Roti Kapra Aur Makaan--in other words it is the right of each person to have food, clothing and shelter. "On this the founding day of the party of the people, it is time for us to reflect on the founding principles of the PPP. The PPP does not interfere in the right of worship declaring that Islam is our faith, a faith each follower practices according to their interpretation without interference from the state. "It is from this first principle that the second principle is born, namely democracy is our politics. We believe in freedom and liberty as well as the right to representative government. As such PPP has been a beacon of light for the country in every dictatorship, a hope for the dawn of a better day when the sun of democracy rises. "From the second principle flows the third namely that socialism is our economy. The socialism of the PPP is similar to the socialism of other parties of the European Union, including the United Kingdom, France and the Scandinavian countries. The Socialist parties in these countries have also met the challenges of the twenty first century by listening to the people and reforming policies accordingly. "The fourth principle of the party is that all power in this world belongs to the people whom God has created. "These principles are ingrained in the consciousness of the people. Unlike other countries, dictatorship has failed to take root in Pakistan because of the awareness created by the Founder of the PPP and the PPP workers who have kept alive the hopes and aspirations of the people for freedom and equal opportunity. "These principles are as important for the emancipation of the people as these were when the Party was founded to enable the common people help shape their own destiny. "The Party is dedicated to its great Mission of emancipation, of honour and respect, of a society free of dictatorship, free of poverty holding high the banner of human dignity for which the great Quaid-e-Awam gave his life. It is dedicated to its mission of making Pakistan a progressive country marching on towards a glorious future. "On this occasion I also wish to recall with pride how the Party has opposed not only all military dictatorships but that it has given to the Nation a unanimous Constitution, an economic base through the construction of Steel Mills, Port Qasim, Karakoram Highway, Kamra Aeronautical Complex, Heavy Mechanical Complex, Heavy Engineering Complex, Gwadar Port, Multan Oil refinery, colleges, hospitals and basic amenities, gender equality, minority rights, labour rights, press freedom, land reforms as well as nuclear deterrence and a democratic culture. That epic struggle for transforming Pakistan from backwardness into a modern nation state resting on the power of its people inspires millions to this day. "I also wish to salute the workers and the people of Pakistan. The Party's momentous achievements were made possible by the enormous sacrifices made by the workers of the Party for which they deserved the gratitude of all patriotic people. Nothing could deter them from struggling for the pursuit of their democratic and progressive beliefs. "When the democratic and progressive elements of civil society were tortured, jailed and hanged for their democratic struggle there were also those in the country who colluded with the Dictators in their crime of stifling the democratic voice. This makes the sacrifices of our workers even more glorious. "The Party salutes all these valiant workers for their dedication, commitment and sacrifices made for the cause. I ask the workers to spread out to deliver the message of hope and deliverance to our people and prepare them to face the challenges that lie ahead. "Since 1996 when the democratic government of the PPP was overthrown through midnight conspiracies, the nation has been beset with crises in multiple forms. The overthrow of the PPP government culminated finally in the declaration of military rule, near wars with India, the resurrection of the Taliban, the rise of religious parties, the emergence of suicide bombers, alienation of the smaller provinces, economic collapse, neglect of social services and political disempowerment. A crisis that began with the overthrow of the PPP government can only end when the PPP and its allies are once again in government through the mandate of the people. The elections of 2007 present the people with an opportunity to rally around the PPP and its allies and to rise to the occasion to save our Nation from buffeting on a sea of storms where the plight of the people worsens as unemployment rises, inflation breaks the back of the common citizen, education and health budgets are cut and people die of hepatitis and dengue fever through neglect of social services, the army is caught in an ugly confrontation with its people becoming the target of suicide bombers while the writ of government whether in the mountains of the tribal areas or the desert plains of Balauchistan withers and declines. "I have great confidence in the political sons and daughters of Quaid-e-Awam. I have great confidence in the valiant workers of the PPP who will continue to strive for the rights of the people knowing that victory belongs to those who strive for peace, justice and equality."
PPP voice of the poor and oppressed
This was said by Syeda Abida Hussain, Syed Fakhar Imam, Amanullah Shahani, Sardar Wazir Ahmad Jogezai, Sayed Said Muneer Shah and Saleem Khan Khalil at the time of joining Pakistan Peoples Party in London on Mondy. They further said, "Because of our commitment to these issues we seek to join the Pakistan Peoples Party founded by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and led by his courageous daughter who has ensured that the Pakistan Peoples Party remains the largest political organization through which the Pakistani people can struggle to be governed democratically and judiciously, in light of the Constitution of Pakistan, and emerge as the strongest Muslim State in the world."
Mohtarma Bhutto condoles death of veteran Journalist SGM Badruddin
Veteran journalist S.G.M. Budruddin died in Karachi last week at the age of 88. In a condolence message the former Prime Minister said that she was grieved to learn about the passing away of SGM Badruddin. She said that she knew Badruddin personally and worked with him when he was the Editor of Daily Musawaat. He was a dauntless journalist who was not deterred even when he was arrested in the eighties by the military dictatorship. Badruddin had earned a name in journalism and was highly regarded for his journalistic acumen in reporting on economic and financial issues, she said. She said that SGM Badruddin belonged to that breed of journalists who are fast becoming extinct. Badruddin was a patriot who chose to adopt this part of the country as his home after the traumatic events of 1971. Mohtarma Bhutto also prayed for eternal peace to the soul of late SGM Badruddin and patience to the members of bereaved family to bear the loss with fortitude.
Benazir will return to lead people to victory in next elections: PPPP
In a statement issued Sunday, PPP-P spokesperson said that "Mohtarma is needed by the Nation to fight poverty, inflation and unemployment and resolve the problems of the people. PPP-P spokesperson was commenting on the statement of a Federal Minister predicting that the Mohtarma Bhutto will stay out and the PPP-P will participate in election 2007 as pro Musharraf Party. The spokesperson rejected the analysis as "out of touch with ground realities on PPP-P planning". He said that the PPP-P will contest elections seeking the restoration of democracy to end the military operation in Baluchistan, bring peace and development to the tribal areas and solve the electricity, water, lack of roads, health facilities and education opportunities of the people under the leadership of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto no matter what the regime says or does. "If people of
Pakistan wish to elect her, no one can stop Mohtarma Bhutto from becoming
the Prime Minister for the third time as well", added by PPP-P spokesperson.
Benazir party
in search of potential candidates
Lahore
December 11, 2006:
The Benazir Bhutto-led Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has decided to carry out
a survey of potential candidates in all constituencies before finalising a
list of candidates for the upcoming general elections.
Nobody can keep Benazir out: PPP
ISLAMABAD December 11, 2006:
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has said those who think that Benazir
Bhutto will stay out of the country during the 2007 elections are
daydreaming and living in a fool’s paradise.
Nation still in search of rights, says Benazir
ISLAMABAD December 11, 2006:
Former prime minister and Chairperson Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Benazir
Bhutto has said as a nation we are still in search of rights that God gave
us, that the Constitution of 1973 envisaged and which is the birth right of
every individual, rich or poor, man or woman, Muslim or non Muslim.
Beg Sahib, You
Can Fool The People Some Time...
PAKISTANI
NATION STILL IN SEARCH OF RIGHT.
Mohtarma Bhutto wants Trust Papers released
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