Asking military to go back to barracks, Asif Ali Zardari, the spouse of self exiled former premier Benazir Bhutto has demanded of the government to hold 'free and fair' parliamentary elections in the current year. Zardari, who is also former senator not only ruled out the possibility of assuming powers through backdoors but made it clear that Pakistan Peoples Party would never share powers with the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA). He was speaking at a crowded news conference here at Zardari House on Wednesday.
Central leadership of PPP was also present on the occasion including Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Jehangir Badr, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Sherry Rehman, Anwer Beg, Farhatullah Babar and others.
Speaking on the occasion, Asif Ali Zardari said that PPP would continue its struggle against all undemocratic forces. He was of the view that military should 'shun' politics.
"Please walk back to the barracks before people push you back," said Zardari who was released on bail in last December after eight years in jail.
Commenting on his earlier reported statement regarding the role of military in politics, he said that he and his party has never accepted military a reality in country's politics. Earlier, he was reported saying that being a major power military's role in politics was unavoidable.
To a query regarding contacts between PPP and the government, Asif Zardari conceded that they have indirect contacts with the government. "We have no direct contacts with them at any stage. Indirectly lots of people come and talk to us and we talk to them," he responded.
When asked whether his party is ready to work with the establishment, he said they have not worked in the past nor would join hands with it in future.
In response to another question, Asif Zardari said that chairman of PPP, Benazir Bhutto and party's present leadership would meet to President General Pervez Musharraf if they were invited for any dialogue.
Zardari was of the view that fresh parliamentary elections were the only solution to bring democracy and rule of law in the country.
He invited all political parties across the board to come and strengthen the Alliance for Restoration of Democracy (ARD) for next elections which he demanded should be held in 2005.
He said that the present regime only wants one party dictatorial rule that is against the composition of democracy. "We deserve and demand democracy and rule of law in the country," he added.
"There is no room for such democracy. Either all or nothing, which means democracy and a true democracy," he maintained.
He also blamed the government for giving political space to only one party. "We have always talked about the across the board dialogue because we want to strengthen the federation of the country," he remarked.
He also feared that some forces were trying to make what he claimed "government in exile". However, he refused to comment furthermore on the issue.
Exposing the 'deteriorating law and order situation', former senator said that borders are neither safe nor people. He also criticised government's claims of high reserves and flourishing stock exchange.
He made clear that his party would not boycott the LB polls. Giving details of his next schedule, Asif Zardari informed the newsmen that he plans to visit the holy shrine of Baba Bhule Shah.
He also contradicted the reports about in-house wrangling in PPP regarding Zardari's leadership. He said that Benazir Bhutto is leading the party and hoped that she will come back soon.
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