Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto Tuesday asked President Pervez Musharraf to announce general amnesty in the country's southwestern Balochistan province where nationalists are fighting for more rights of the provincial resources.
"We will announce general amnesty in Balochistan, if the People' s Party comes into power," the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leader told reporters on her arrival in Islamabad from Dubai.
Bhutto demanded release of all political prisoners ahead of the Jan. 8 elections, who were arrested after Musharraf proclaimed emergency on Nov. 3.
She said that her party had an elaborate program for poor people including residents of Balochistan and tribal areas, where the army is engaged with the Taliban-linked militants in bloody operations.
She welcomed the decision from the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) party of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to take part in the general elections and hinted at seats adjustment with the PML-N and other like-minded parties.
"The decision of the PML-N is a positive development towards restoration of democracy," Bhutto said. "We understand PML-N took a right decision at the right time by not leaving election field free for opponent parties."
"Return of two former prime ministers and participation of all the major political parties in the forthcoming general polls would have far reaching impact on the democratic scenario of the country," she said.
"The government's decision to allow me and Nawaz Sharif to return and participate in electioneering, is a positive gesture," she added.
"We should remain prepared for all options on Jan. 9 if Jan. 8 elections don't take place in a free and fair manner," Bhutto said.
Source: Xinhua
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