September 23, 2002	Monday	Rajab 15, 1423

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ISLAMABAD, Sept 22: People’s Party Parliamentarians Chairman Makhdoom Amin Fahim has said that his party would form the next elected government.

Speaking at a joint press conference with the chairman of All Pakistan Minorities Alliance, Shahbaz Butt, Mr Fahim said that he was sure that the PPP would win the Oct 10 general elections and form the next government.

He asserted that the elected parliament, being the supreme institution, would decide about the constitutional amendments as well as the future of President Gen Musharraf.

The PPP leader said that majority of the political parties were concerned about the pre-poll rigging and they were rallying a consensus on one point agenda to ensure fair elections.

“The party will decide as to who should be the prime minister in case of getting majority in the National Assembly,” he replied when asked whether he was a candidate for premiership.

When asked about his meeting with PTI chief Imran Khan, Mr Fahim said: “I am meeting politicians in a bid to create national reconciliation as well as a consensus on one point agenda of ensuring free and fair polls.”

Replying to a query about the reports of rigging planned through women voters in rural areas, he said: “We have reports of the official pressures and intimidations of our candidates in certain areas resulting in their withdrawal from the contest, hence we warn the government to refrain from such practices which negate its claim of holding free and fair polls.”

When questioned if Benazir Bhutto’s return had permanently been put off, Mr Fahim said: “She will definitely return but the party’s central executive committee will decide the schedule.”

The PPP chairman asserted that Ms Bhutto was ready to return and contest polls but the government brought in special laws to stop her from participation, which forced her to stay away till the ripe time.

In response to a question about the seat adjustments with the PML-N, he said: “We have made adjustments at some places and may do so in the next few days as well, but it was very difficult to make it on all seats.”

When asked whether his party would withdraw its candidate from contest against PML-N chairman Raja Zafarul Haq in Rawalpindi as a goodwill gesture in return, for they withdrew the candidate against him in Sindh, Mr Fahim said: “We are thankful, but such a promise cannot be made.”

Responding to a comment about himself, that he was “a GHQ man” the PPP leader said: “I belong to the people and seek their support alone.”

He demanded that the elections should be held according to the schedule when his comments were sought on rumours about their postponement.