August 16, 2002	Friday	Jamadi-us-Saani 6, 1423

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KARACHI, Aug 15: The chairperson of Pakistan People’s Party, Benazir Bhutto, on Thursday challenged the Musharraf government’s attempt to keep her out of political and electoral process.

A constitutional petition questioning the legality of amendments to section 31 A of the NAB Ordinance and Chief Executive’s order 21 of 2002 was filed in the Sindh High Court on her behalf by Farook Naek, advocate.

These amendments pertain to presence of defendants during trial and making absentee defendants ineligible to contest the October elections. Ms Bhutto’s counsel termed these amendments “Bhutto-specific” and against the constitutional guarantees.

The petition is fixed to come up before a division bench comprising Justice Sabihuddin Ahmed and Justice Ali Aslam Jafferi on Friday. Ms Bhutto has made the Federation, Chief Election Commissioner and Returning officer NA-207 respondent.

“She has been implicated in politically-motivated false cases by the Musharraf government,” Mr Naek said, adding that “Benazir Bhutto has a right to contest the elections and that is why this petition has been filed.” In view of the government laws, the PPP had to launch its Parliamentarians group to remain in contention.