LARKANA, Oct 28: PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto has asked terrorists to lay down their arms, and start respecting the Constitution.

Addressing a press conference at the residence of MPA Haji Munawar Ali Abbasi and Senator Dr Safdar Abbasi in Waleed village on Sunday, she said that time had come for abandoning the politics of arms.

She said that Pakistan was a land of peace and everyone should respect the Constitution.

Ms Bhutto said her party was holding talks with the government for restoration of democracy. “We must carve out a middle path by adhering to (democratic) principles.”

Urging all political parties to play their role for strengthening the positive political culture, she said that while the PPP was not in the All Parties Democratic Movement (APDM), it wanted all political parties to unite for a common cause. She said that it was important for political parties to wage a joint struggle against dictatorship and learn lessons from the past to strengthen democracy and address key problems of the people.

Criticising social fragmentation, she said targeting of one group by another did not serve the interest of Pakistan which occupied a key position in the Muslim world.

She said that US aid had not benefited the people in the absence of an elected democratic government, adding that the people were still struggling against poverty and unemployment.

She said that crisis were hallmarks of dictatorships in Pakistan.

Terming PPP a symbol of Pakistan’s federation, Ms Bhuto said her party firmly believed in democracy because it was the only weapon strong enough to save the country.

Referring to October 18 Karachi rally, she said that people had come to welcome her not only from the four provinces but also from Kashmir and the Northern Areas.

She said that the PPP had always adhered to principles. “We are here to protect people’s rights and not for power or plots.”

Calling upon the government to free all political workers detained in Balochistan, she said that area-wise the largest province of the country should be made part of the mainstream.

Cautioning against the use of the country’s soil against neighbouring countries, she said that such actions might lead to grave repercussions.