KARACHI: Asif Ali Zardari, the PPP co-chairman, has accused former president retired Gen Pervez Musharraf of ‘hatching conspiracy with some elements’ to destabilise the Sindh government and called upon ‘political and democratic forces’ of the country to beware of such activities.

In a statement issued from Naudero, where the former president had addressed a rally two days ago on the death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto, Mr Zardari did not name the ‘elements’ which he thought were cooperating with Gen Musharraf, but said the PPP would not be affected by any such conspiracy.

“Pervez Musharraf is busy hatching conspiracy with some elements to destabilise the Sindh government, but the PPP will not let him succeed,” the Bilawal House spokesman quoted Mr Zardari as saying.

“These conspiracies are going on for the past several months. History is witness to the PPP unity and democratic norms and the party has always emerged as victorious against such designs. The fresh conspiracies would meet the same fate.”

Reacting to the PPP allegation, Gen Musharraf’s All Pakistan Muslim League said the fresh statement of Mr Zardari was part of his deliberate attempt to malign the armed forces.

“The Sindh government doesn’t need any conspirator to get destabilised,” said Aasia Ishaque Siddiqui, senior leader of the APML.

“The PPP co-chairman is trying to find lame excuses to cover up inefficiency of the Sindh government, which is directly responsible for the death of hundreds of children in Thar. The other point is that the idea of military courts is seriously disturbing the PPP and other parties.”

She said the military courts would definitely charge terrorists and their abettors and the co-chairman was well aware of the fact that who could have fallen under the mandate of these courts.

“His speech in Naudero and now statement against Pervez Musharraf reflect the level of frustration among the ranks of PPP leaders, who finding no way forward, are now maligning the armed forces,” said Ms Ishaque.

Published in Dawn, December 30th, 2014