BB calls for immediate end to emergency
Bureau Report

KARACHI—Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairperson, Ms Benazir Bhutto Wednesday ruled out the possibility of dialogue with General Musharraf led government during the emergency rule and PCO in the country and demanded that emergency be lifted immediately.
Talking to media here at Bilawal House, Ms Bhutto referred to the visit of General Musharraf to Saudi Arabia, saying it was hoped that he was heading there to resolve the crisis being faced by the country as well as bringing back Nawaz Sharif but, she said, unfortunately no progress was seen with regard to the same. “The country is suffering from instability and under prevailing circumstances it is incumbent on General Pervez Musharraf to relinquish the position of the Army Chief,” she stressed.
PPP engaged in dialogue with the government to ensure restoration of democracy and holding of free and fair elections in the country but the government’s steps sabotaged the entire negotiations, Ms Benazir Bhutto maintained, adding, “Today the judiciary has been confined in chains.”
Referring to her meeting with British High Commissioner, she said her talk with him centered on holding of free and fair elections, constitution of independent Election Commission, dissolution of district governments and creation of a level playing field for all. It is a good omen that the international community is supporting the move towards restoration of democracy in the country, she added. Replying a question, she termed it the people’s win if General Musharraf decides to quit his army post. She said PPP is not satisfied with the inquiry into the incident of Karsaz blast, saying no help is being sought from foreign experts in this regard. She demanded that elements responsible for such incidents be unearthed.
Ms Bhutto said her struggle would continue to achieve an end to the emergency, restoration of the Constitution, freedom of the judiciary, release of detained judges, lawyers and political leaders, freedom of speech, restoration of basic human rights and holding of fair and free elections. PPP Chairperson said consultation and dialogue is on with other political parties in the prevailing circumstances in the country and a plan of action will soon be made public in this regard. She condemned the detention of Justice (Retd.) Wajihuddin, Justice Athar Man-Allah besides the journalists across the country and demanded for their immediate release.
British High Commissioner Robert Brinkley has urged Political Parties including Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to work towards reconciliation and restrain on all sides in the best interests of Pakistan.
Talking to Chairperson Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto at her home in Karachi on Wednesday, Brinkley reiterated the UK’s position, calling on General Musharraf to restore constitutional order as soon as possible, and before the January elections, to release all political prisoners and lift curbs on the media, and to step down as Chief of Army Staff.