HARIPUR, Dec 19: Federal Local Bodies and Rural Development Minister Omar Asghar Khan has said that his political party would represent the neglected communities of the country and endeavour to protect their rights.

Talking to newsmen at the residence of provincial bar member Saeed Akhter Khan advocate on Wednesday, said the new party would be formed by merger of three parties and its doors would remain open for people with clean reputation from mainstream parties.

The minister, who is likely to relinquish the charge by Dec 22, said his party, which is an amalgamation of progressive political parties, would survive for a long time as it would be enjoying the support of pro-democracy masses and the establishment.

Replying to a question, he said the matter of giving a significant role to President Gen Pervez Musharraf in the future setup could be discussed in the meeting of the Qaumi Jamhoori Party on Dec 27.

When asked whether he favoured permanent role for the army in the government, Mr khan did said army was a part of the country and giving it such a role was not a bad idea.

ACCIDENTS: One person was killed 18 were injured in two road accidents on Tuesday.

Ejaz, son Ramzan, of Sera-i-Saleh village, died and four men and three women were injured on the GT Road, near Ali Khan, when a Suzuki pick-up (HR 8222) collided head-on with another Suzuki carry.

An overloaded Datsun pick-up (DIK 4767) overturned due to speeding near Haripur Post Graduate College, resulting in injuries to two women, four children and five men.

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