PESHAWAR, July 19: The Tehrik-i-Istaqlal has called upon the federal government to stop its operation in Balochistan and initiate dialogue with Jamhoori Watan Party chief Nawab Akbar Bugti to seek a way out of the present impasse.

Speaking at Peshawar Press Club’s meet the press programme on Wednesday, TI chief Rehmat Khan Wardag said that Mr Bugti was a patriotic Pakistani and had played a constructive role in the politics of the country.

Mr Khan said that Gen Pervez Musharraf should stay in uniform till 2,017 in the larger interest of the country and to complete his socio-economic agenda.

He argued that the country could not afford a change of guards in present geo-political circumstances. “It will be better if Gen Musharraf continues to run the country in uniform as it is necessary for the stability of the system introduced by him seven years ago.”

However, he regretted that Gen Musharraf was surrounded by a team of politicians who were involved in scams.

He advised the government to double the seats of Senate, national and provincial assemblies, arguing that it would help middle class people reach parliament.

Mr Khan advised the government to amend the 17th amendment and remove ban on a person becoming prime minister for a third time.

He said that general elections should be held under the principle of proportionate representation as it would pave way for educated people to represent the masses in the elected forums.

He said that the dominance of the land-holding families in elected forums had proved a curse for the country.

He endorsed the water vision of the government and urged it to construct five water reservoirs, including the Kalabagh dam, for the development and prosperity of the southern districts of the NWFP.

He said that the Kalabagh dam would not cause much loss to the people of Swabi, Nowshera and Charsadda as propagated by certain quarters.

Answering a question, he proposed direct elections for president, prime minister and four chief ministers to bring an end to horse-trading.