26 September 2004	Sunday	10 Shaban 1425

LAHORE, Sept 25: Mr Asif Ali Zardari, spouse of PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto, demanded on Saturday fresh elections in the country and resignation of Gen Musharraf as army chief.

If fresh elections could be scheduled in neighbouring Afghanistan despite a bad law and order situation, there was no reason why they could not be held in Pakistan, he said while talking briefly to reporters at Lahore airport.

He was brought to the city from Islamabad in connection with a case against him.

While PPP leader Munir Ahmed Khan came with him from the federal capital, those received him included Haji Azizur Rehman Chann, Malik Mushtaq Awan, Ehsan Ganjial, Tahir Khaleeq, Sajida Mir, Shamim Niazi, Shahida Jabeen, Faiza Malik, Sagheera Islam and Talat Yaqoob.

As Mr Zardari came out of the lounge, they raised slogans in favour of the self-exiled former prime minister.

Mr Zardari, responding to a question, said that Gen Musharraf should go home and the army should return to the barracks.

When his attention was drawn to US Secretary of State Colin Powell's statement that the uniform of President Musharraf was a complex issue, Mr Zardari said it was the personal opinion of the American leader.

About President Musharraf's visit to the US, the PPP leader said he did not think it was successful. It was a just a photo opportunity for Gen Musharraf and President Bush, he emphasized.

"God forbid", said Mr Zardari when a reporter asked him if there was any possibility of a deal between the PPP and Gen Musharraf.

From airport Mr Zardari was driven to Kot Lakhpat jail for appearance in a case against him. The case was adjourned as the prosecution counsel was not present.

PPP workers present at Hamdard Chowk raised slogans as Mr Zardari drove past them.

A number of party leaders met Mr Zardari in jail. Secretary-General Jehangir Badar, Punjab PPP President Qasim Zia, former secretary-general Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar and Altaf Qureshi were among them. They exchanged views about party matters.

According to a PPP leader, Mr Zardari told his visitors that the present goverenment was on its way out and fresh elections would be held next year by the PPP. Also, he claimed that Gen Musharraf would shed his uniform because of the internal and external pressures.

The spouse of Ms Benazir Bhutto was taken back to the federal capital in the evening.