Opposition vows to struggle for 'true democracy'

26 Oct, 2004

The combined opposition on Monday vowed to continue its struggle till the goal of the restoration of 'true democracy' was achieved.
Speaking at a news conference after they staged a walkout from the National Assembly, following a brief protest and sloganeering, the opposition leaders asked the government to step down over its alleged failure in running smoothly the democratic institutions.
"The government has completely failed in maintaining law and order, keeping the price of essential commodities at affordable level and controlling alarming rise in unemployment," Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) leader Raja Pervez Ashraf said.
On the other hand, he added, the government had also failed in running the House, as lack of quorum and absence of the army of ministers had become a routine matter.
"These are the issues," the PPPP leader told media persons, "that provide sufficient grounds to demand the removal of the government."
Condemning dual office bill, he argued it was a spat on the face of democracy and the Parliament.
"The way government bulldozed the House proceedings to get the bill passed was an insult of the Parliament and the nation, as well," Raja argued.
He ridiculed the stance of ruling coalition members; people want Musharraf to be in uniform, saying that the time would soon decide in whom the nation has more trust.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Tehmina Daultana said the opposition would put its case before the masses and was ready for any kind of consequences.
"We think the restoration of true democracy is imperative. We will seek support from public for our struggle and are ready to face any kind of repercussions," she vowed.
Tehmina criticised the government for not allowing former premiers, PPPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto and PML-N chief Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, to return to their country.
The PML-N MNA was equally unhappy on keeping PML-N acting President Makhdoom Javed Hashmi and Bhutto's spouse Asif Ali Zardari behind the bars without any 'solid reasons'.
Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) Deputy General Secretary, Liaquat Baloch, on the occasion accused the president of betraying the nation and keeping the personal interest above the national interest.
Abdul Rauf Mengal of Balochistan National Party (BNP) said the government had lost its credibility, as it has no control over its own members.

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