RAWALPINDI, Dec 6: Expressing his determination to continue fight for the restoration of democracy, the chairman, Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy (ARD), Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan, said on Thursday that ARD would be strengthened.
He was speaking at the second workers convention of ARD as chief guest, organized by PML-N at Mehfooz Hawaili.
The Nawabzada criticized the local bodies elections, saying that the massive interference in these elections has created many doubts about the transparency of the provincial and National assemblies elections, scheduled to be held next year.
He lauded the role of political parties and said that when the country was in crisis, the political parties left their personal interests far behind and got united in the national cause.
Nawabzada said, “today all the political leaders are united for the great cause of the restoration of democracy. He said the criticism on ARD was infact the criticism against the national alliance. Therefore, it was needed to strengthen the ARD, he added. He said “we are not against the army, but our struggle is against the rulers.”
Discussing the performance of the government during its two-year tenure, he said the government had totally failed to realize the dream of good governance. He said the people had not been provided the basic necessities of life which they were promised by the government.
He also expressed concern over the law and order situation in the country.
The ARD secretary-general, Zafar Iqbal Jhagra, said, “today Pakistan is passing through a very crucial stage of its history.”
He regretted that even after the 54 years of independence, the country had not enjoyed the taste of democracy. Whenever, a true democratic government was established, it was toppled through conspiracies, he maintained.
Mr Iqbal rejected the formula of government’s road-map for the restoration of democracy and demanded to conduct the general elections by establishing an independent election commission.
Syed Zafar Ali Shah urged all political parties, particularly ARD, to get united at this critical time.
Former Foreign Secretary Akram Zaki criticized the government’s Afghan policy, saying that country’s security was in great danger due to the policies of the government. He demanded restoration of democracy.
Leader of Pakistan People’s Party, Syed Qaim Ali Shah said that the 14 parties in the ARD had got united for the same cause — the restoration of democracy. However, he said all the parties may have their own point of views.
PPP leader Malik Hakmeen Khan urged the need for unity among the ARD ranks.
The president Punjab ARD and leader of PPP Qasim Zia while addressing on the occasion said, “we would continue our efforts for the restoration of democracy.
PML-N leader Sardar Naseem said that the political workers of Rawalpindi would not hesitate to give any sacrifice for the cause of democracy.
PML-N secretary-general Saranjam Khan, Vice President Mushahidullah Khan, Begum Tehmina Doltana, Chaudhry Ahsan Iqbal, Information secretary Siddiqul Farooq, Akhter Mehmood Advocate, Raja Javed Ashraf also participated in the convention.
ARD EXPANSION: Meanwhile the ARD chief, Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan, said that the alliance is being expanded.
Talking to PPI at his residence here on Thursday, the veteran politician said the ARD would continue its struggle till achieving of the objective — restoration of constitutional, democratic order and transfer of power to an elected civilian setup.
He contested those elements who are suggesting that there is no role for the ARD.
The Nawabzada said the ARD was being strengthen “as it has to play its historic role for restoration of democracy”.
He said the next meeting of the component parties of the alliance would consider about inclusion of different parties and groups in its fold.
Nasrullah said political and religious parties and groups had approached the alliance for their inclusion in it.
Meanwhile the ARD chief has convened an all parties conference (APC) at Lahore on Dec 27-28.
Nawabzada said that APC was being held to manifest national consensus on vital nations issues.
He said basic aim of convening the APC was manifesting national consensus on immediate restoration of the 1973 Constitution and democracy.
He said the APC would review the government’s bid to amend the unanimously-adopted Constitution.
The participants of the APC, he said, would be asked to resolve for setting up of an independent election commission to hold fair and free polls and transfer of power to a truly elected government.
To a question, he said being a democrat, he believed in dialogue adding his doors were still open for meaningful talks with the government.
He said over 50 political parties and groups including the PPP, PML-N, Jamaate Islami, JUI-F, JUP, Tehriki Jafaria Pakistan and other political and religious parties and groups had been invited to participate in the APC.
He further said that representatives of the bar councils would also be invited to participate in the conference.
He said that a number of parties and groups including JI, JUI-F, JUP, TJP have accepted his invitation.—PPI
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