Elections will be held on time, insists Zardari

President says democracy is flourishing due to ‘reconciliation policy’ conceived by Benazir.

KARACHI:

President Asif Ali Zardari has reiterated that the upcoming general elections will be held on time.

During a meeting at Bilawal House on Sunday to discuss preparations for the rally to be held on Benazir Bhutto’s fifth death anniversary, the President also reiterated that the elections will be free, fair and transparent.

Zardari said that for the remainder of its tenure, the government will strive to maintain law and order across the country, and directed Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) provincial leaders to meet people and resolve their issues as soon as possible. “PPP will complete the vision Benazir Bhutto had. The government has resolved all issues and challenges through talks. Democracy is flourishing because of Benazir’s reconciliation policy,” he said at the meeting.

“We take constructive criticism from other parties. We don’t hold any grudges,” he added, inviting those dissatisfied with the government to approach PPP leaders and talk to them.

Meanwhile, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari ordered party leaders to swiftly complete arrangements for the rally at Garhi Khuda Bux on December 27. He added that the party’s latest policies will be announced at the gathering. The rally marks Bilawal’s first public address.

Sindh Governor, CM meet President

Meanwhile, Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad and Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah met the president at Bilawal House to discuss the province’s current situation, especially with regards to law and order.

The meeting also reviewed the progress made so far by the committee for the rehabilitation of victims of terrorism. The president directed to expedite the process of compensating victims, especially widows and hapless families who have suffered from militancy and terrorism.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 17^th, 2012.