SHEIKHUPURA, May 25: The PPP leader and former Punjab forest minister, Rai Ijaz, has urged the government to lift a ban imposed on political activities.

He said the country was passing through a critical period due to the escalation of tension on our eastern borders.

Despite political differences, he said, the whole nation was united and had no two opinions on safeguarding the solidarity and integrity of the motherland.

He termed the cessation of political and democratic process in the country a major cause of escalation of tension on our borders. Had there been a democratic government, the country would not have to face such a grave situation, he claimed.

Mr Ijaz underlined the need to form a national government till the general elections to meet the challenges faced by the country.

Deferring the idea to desist Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto from general elections, he said this would further aggravate the situation.