November 13, 2002	Wednesday	Ramazan 7, 1423

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 12: Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf chairman Imran Khan on Tuesday warned of a major political crisis that could threaten the very foundations of the country in case the ruling elite created hurdles in transfer of power to elected representatives.

In a statement, he expressed concern over the continued political uncertainty in the country caused by the delay in convening the National Assembly session.

He said the government should immediately and without any delay announce a date for the National Assembly session, schedule for the transfer of power and Senate elections.

Mr Khan asked the military leadership to realize the gravity of the situation and avoid power politics. Revival of the 1973 constitution, supremacy of the parliament and return to constitutional rule should be the foremost priority of the government.

He warned that the credibility of the government would further undermine if it tried to remain in power, using undemocratic methods. A government that came into existence under the doctrine of necessity has completed its mandate and it should immediately take all the constitutional steps necessary to transfer power to the elected representatives.

Pakistan can not afford any new misadventure, he said, adding that in democracies, governments were formed and removed from power through a democratic process within the parliament.

Parliament is the right forum to break deadlock in the formation of the government. He criticized the use of state- controlled electronic media for propaganda against politicians and the political process.

The PTI chief also condemned the dacoity at the residence of the party secretary-general, Mairaj Mohammad Khan. He said the deteriorating law and order situation was a matter of concern. The increasing incidents of lawlessness have created fear and insecurity.

He said the Sindh government should immediately take effective measures to arrest the criminals and recover the looted money and valuable.