PPP demands timely elections, FATA merger

Says party will not be part of any movement meant to derail the system

KARACHI: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Tuesday demanded elections on time on the basis of new delimitations and merger of Fata with K-P, besides the formation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The demands were floated during a meeting of the PPP’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) presided over by Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari at Naudero House on the eve of the 10th death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto.

"The party wishes to make it clear that it will not permit any disruption in the continuity of democratic process," said PPP Secretary General Farhatullah Babar in a statement after the meeting.



Discussing the upcoming general elections, Babar said the PPP leadership had directed all chapters of the party to gear up for the elections, ensure women voting and take all steps needed to prevent any rigging.

"The PPP will not be a party to any movement that may result in derailing the system or undermining parliament," he said.

He said the CEC expressed grave disappointment over the recent verdict of an anti-terror court in the murder case of Benazir Bhutto and vowed to vigorously pursue the appeal filed against the verdict to expose the culprits and bring them to justice.

The PPP senator said that the CEC took notice of media reports that militant organisations were being streamlined, and reminded the authorities concerned that under the National Action Plan, proscribed militant outfits were not allowed to reappear under other names.