LARKANA, March 18: Sindh Minister for Local Government Agha Siraj Durrani has said the Constitution allows parliament to extend one-year the term of government by adopting resolution with a two-third majority, declaring that conditions are not suitable for holding general elections.

However, he said, his party believed in democracy and would not go for such an option.

He was talking to journalists in Ali Abad where he attended the wedding of the son of former MPA Haji Altaf Hussain Unnar on Sunday.

He said general elections would be held in March after completion of the five-year term of the PPP government.

Responding to a question, he condemned what he termed rowdy behaviour of MQM legislators in Sindh assembly, and said every member had the obligation to remain within the limits set by the rules of business. But the rumpus in the assembly was uncalled for, he said, adding that Arif Mustafa Jatoi, a member of the coalition, had been insulted by MQM. He said MQM MPAs should apologise to Jatoi.

He replied in the negative when asked if the MQM’s behaviour would adversely affect the PPP.

He said the MQM was aware of people’s feelings about their actions because their men also know Sindhi and read Sindhi newspapers.

Responding to another question he said the menace of extortion had began in General Zia’s days adding and if he knew who was involved in the evil act he would have shot them.

About local government elections, he said coalition parties were yet to reach an agreement. But talks were underway and he expected a positive result soon.