Awami Party Pakistan (APP) has called for unity of left and progressive parties to curb growing religious extremism and to fight neo-liberal and anti-workers’ policies in Balochistan and Karachi.
According to a press release issued by the party on Sunday, The Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the party held a meeting under the chairmanship of Shahab Khattak in Islamabad, where a resolution was passed for merger of left and progressive parties.
A committee comprising of seven members has been formed in this regard, which discussed several issues including recent operation in Abbotabad, terrorists’ attack on PNS Mehran base in Karachi, increasing state oppression in Balochistan, target killings in Karachi, protest campaign by KESC, relief efforts of flood victims and the implementation of 18th amendment as well as organisational matters of the party.
The CEC condemned killings of teachers, intellectuals, political activists and other influential figures in Balochistan and demanded withdrawal of military forces and restoration of civilian authorities in the province. They also denounced the kidnapping and torture of political activists in Sindh.
The APP leaders demanded a 15 percent increase in allocation of education, health and development projects in the federal budget, and called for a 50 percent cut in defence budget.
They insisted on accountability of defence spending in the parliament, while also seeking maximum allocation in the budget for provision of relief to flood victims. They demanded the supply of irrigation water to tail-end farmers of Seer Minor in Jaffarabad District, and also called for implementation of the 18th Amendment in letter and spirit.
Expressing concern over target killings in Karachi, APP leaders demanded a complete crackdown of weapons from the city, while also criticising the ban on labour inspection in Punjab.
They termed the ban as completely illegal and insisted on effective labour inspection under Factories Act 1934 without any delay and hindrance. They strongly condemned KESC administration for its inappropriate behavior towards its workers and demanded nationalisation of the institution.
The party also expressed concern over increasing contract labour system and said the country can only grow economically if labour laws and social security of workers is guaranteed. It also condemned the assassination Saleem Shahzad and demanded an independent judicial inquiry to unmask all those involved in the brutal act.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 7th, 2011.
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