Commonwealth team briefed

Published April 27, 2002

ISLAMABAD, April 26: The Pakistan People’s Party apprised the Commonwealth delegation about the “unconstitutionality” of the referendum being held on April 30, 2002 and “how it is against the judgment of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.”

A delegation of the Commonwealth Secretariat consisting of Ms K. Falkner and Mr John Shepard of the Political Division, held a meeting at the Central Secretariat of Pakistan People’s Party, with Acting Secretary-General of PPP Mian Raza Rabbani, Secretary of Finance Ehsanul Haq Paracha and Vice President of Punjab Raja Pervez Ashraf.

The delegation was informed that alleged State and local bodies funding of the referendum campaign falls within the ambit of the definition of corruption and corrupt practices as defined in the NAB Ordinance.

The delegation was further informed that in sheer desperation the government had now waived the condition of National Identity Card production at the time of casting of votes.

The team members were further informed that the October polls will be rigged and those supporting the regime will be elected. In this regard, various statements of the President were quoted.

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