Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Babar Awan on Monday said that 17th Amendment would be annulled soon as a package to restore the 1973 Constitution in its original form is being prepared. The minister, who was addressing a ceremony organised in connection with marking the 43rd Foundation Day of the Pakistan People's Party, said it was the top priority of the government to restore the 1973 Constitution in its original form.
The minister said Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) should show some flexibility on the issue of renaming the NWFP province as Pakhtoonkhawa in accordance with the NWFP Assembly resolution. He said Pakistan People's Party had given the concept of a powerful premier and chief executive but dictators have usurped the powers of Parliament and Prime Minister through 8th and 17th Amendments.
While defending performance of the government, the minister said the elected democratic government gave Balochistan Package and opened the doors of negotiations with the Baloch leadership. He said previous government policy towards Balochistan was oppressive while the present government was making sincere efforts to address the concerns of the people of Balochistan. He said the government's offer of talks to the Baloch leaders would remain open till 2013.
He said work on Fata Package has been initiated on the directives of President Asif Ali Zardari. The minister said PPP believes in democracy and is working for the welfare of the people. Babar said the summary to summon the National Assembly session on December 7 has already been moved.