Pakistan Peoples Party Punjab President and Kashmir & Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs Minister Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo said that a caretaker setup would not be formed on the directions of Tahrik-e-Minhajul Quran Chief Dr Tahirul Qadri even if he launched several long marches. Talking to journalists after presiding over a meeting of PPP office-bearers of Gujranwala at the Governor’s House on Friday, he advised Tahirul Qadri not to undermine his ‘respect in the society’ for an activity in which he was not even a stakeholder.
“The next general elections will not be postponed even for a single day. Consensus would be developed among all political parties in the parliament for a unanimous caretaker setup and a single party will not be allowed to derail the democratic process,” he said.
Appreciating MQM’s decision of not supporting the long march, he said it was a wise decision on Altaf Hussain’s part. He said all political parties, judiciary, media and civil society wanted a sustainable democratic system.
“A unanimous, free, independent and strong election commission had been formed which would hold free and fair elections,” he said.
He reiterated that the caretaker setup would be constituted in March and all political parties, including the PPP, were doing their homework for the upcoming elections.
“The PPP will first finalise its candidates and then bring them into the field. The PPP’s achievements include amendments to the constitution, Benazir Income Support Program, provincial autonomy and restoration of sacked employees,” he said. “The PPP is also working on an accountability bill and on the formation of the Southern Punjab province. The PPP has drawn a political roadmap for the nation so that no one can derail the democratic process,” he added.
