HYDERABAD, Nov 18: Prominent leftist leader Mr Abid Hassan Minto has said the modalities for creating a new progressive party by merging Tehrik-i-Istaqlal, National Awami Party and National Workers Party were being worked out to launch an effective movement for the restructuring of federal system.

He was talking to newsmen at meet the press programme of Hyderabad press club here the other day.

He said the leaders of these parties believed there was no need for national security council or clause 58 (2) (b) of the constitution in a real federal democratic dispensation.

He said there was also unanimity of opinion the federating units should be given complete provincial autonomy with centre retaining only four subjects-defence, foreign affairs, currency and communication.

Mr Minto said they believed in non-communal system and joint electorate as envisaged in all the constitutions of Pakistan from 1956 to 1973.

He said the new party in the offing also believed in electoral reforms through which the deprived sections of society- workers, peasants and women- should be given due representation in the parliament.

He said under the existing system, the deprived sections could never get elected to the parliament. He insisted whatever the situation might be in Afghanistan, general elections must be held in 2002 on party basis and proportionate representation.

The progressive leader stressed the need for socio-political change and added though it was an arduous task, the new party will work to break the hegemony of upper class feudal, urban rich and industrialists.

Referring to September 11 terrorist attacks on America, he said even the “rogue states” had condemned terrorism.

He, however, said whoever was responsible for the attacks had targeted the capitalist symbols of power and trade.

Mr Minto demanded end to bombardment on the poor people of Afghanistan and also elimination of terrorism.

He said America had no distinction between Muslims and Non- Muslims and added it was first world versus the third world situation.