Rabbani mounts defence of 1973 Constitution

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Raza Rabbani on Friday said that the 1973 Constitution is a guarantee for the unity of Pakistan, warning that the federation would not remain intact in case of any new constitution

Addressing a press conference along with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders at the party’s central secretariat, he said that the shape of the current federation would not remain intact in case of any new constitution.

He said that all federating units and all political parties had accepted the 1973 Constitution unanimously and no one could terminate it -- not even martial law administrators.

He said that the Constitution had kept all united despite several problems and differences. The senator said that the country could not afford the consequences of any new experiment.

He said that any other way would have adverse effects on the federation, and every institution should play its role within the given parameters of the Constitution.

He said that it was better to hold all elections on the same day. He said that the PPP never avoided elections and whenever the electoral process would be held, the party would participate in it.

Rabbani said the PPP had sought applications from poll aspirants, adding the situation was odd as two assemblies had been dissolved. Elections in Punjab and K-P, he added, would be held on the basis of the previous census, while in the rest of the country, elections would be held according to the new census results.

He said that the PPP opposed arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan for political reasons. However, he added that in case of corruption charges, the arrest of anyone should be made according to the law.

He appealed the Supreme Court to hear the Zulfikar Ali Bhutto case again, as the then chief justice had admitted that the courts were under pressure at that time.

He said that the Constitution provided a solution to every constitutional issue, adding that the SC was also resolving issues under the 1973 Constitution.

He said that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) coalition government in centre would never allow any steps against national security and interest.

He said the PPP always held a principled stance against dictatorship, and spoke against any misadventure.

To a question, he said that division in judiciary would not benefit anyone, adding that a strong federation could only be formed by strengthening the parliament, judiciary and executive.

He expressed his grief over the demise of the PTI worker and wished to condole with his family, saying that the PPP never wanted something wrong to happen to any political worker.

He said that Imran Khan wanted to meet others but not the political parties’ leadership.  APP