BB cautiously welcomes polls timeline
Bureau Report

LAHORE—PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto has termed President General Pervez Musharraf’s announcement of holding of free, fair and transparent general election before January 9 as a vital step towards promotion of democratic values and strengthening of democratic institution.
She stated this while addressing a press conference at the residence of Senator Zulfiqar Khosa here on Sunday night. PPP leaders Yousaf Raza Gillani, Farzana Raja and others were also present. Benazir said that President General Pervez Musharraf has fulfilled his commitment of announcing the time for conducting general election in the country.
She said that the general election’s announcement was welcoming step for the general public. She expressed the resolve to continue her fight against lawlessness, ban on freedom of expression till its logical end. She said that democratic process was hampered by imposing martial law in the past due to which nation had to face the menace of terrorism, extremism, sectarianism and lawlessness.
The PPP Chairperson was of the view that justice and freedom of expression is the identity of the developed nations and accountability process cannot be continued without maintaining these basic rights of the society. Chairperson Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has made it clear that her Party has halted every type of contacts with President Musharraf General Pervez Musharraf, as he has failed to fulfill his Promises.
The President took action against judiciary because he feared of verdict in case challenging his candidature for the office of the President, the former Prime Minister said this while talking to media men before leaving to Lahore on Sunday. The emergency regime are using all its state machinery throughout the country to suppress voice of masses, she said, added, PPP adopted way of negotiation for the restoration of democracy but President did not fulfill his promises which he made with her Party. The country is facing ongoing crises as President not fulfilled his promises which he made, Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto remarked. The Government has failed to ensure implementation on roadmap therefore PPP will not hold talks with Government, she maintained. She demanded early reinstatement of all deposed judges including Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry who refused to take oath under Provincial Constitutional Order (PCO) and release all lawyers, Political leaders and activists.
The President, Benazir said, is not ready to doff his military uniform. She said her stance against terrorism and extremism is in national interest, she told media men. Former Prime Minister and Chairperson Pakistan People’s Party Benazir Bhutto Sunday vowed that she would launch a long march from Lahore to Islamabad against the imposition of emergency and any attempt create hurdle in advancement with the long march will be thwarted with the force of public.