July 23, 2006	Sunday	Jumadi-ul-Sani 26, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, July 22: The Alliance for Restoration of Democracy (ARD) has written a letter to diplomats based in Islamabad informing them about President Gen Pervez Musharraf’s alleged plan of rigging the next general elections.

The letter, a copy of which is available to Dawn, has been sent to the ambassadors, high commissioners and other diplomats in Islamabad by ARD Deputy Information Secretary Munir Ahmed Khan.

In the letter, the ARD leader stated that: “We sincerely hope that you and your associates will link your support to Pakistan very firmly with the restoration of a genuine democracy through the first step of a free and fair elections.

“Given your commitment to democratic values, we are sure that you will not allow Gen Musharraf to ban politicians who threaten his dictatorship.”

The ARD, Munir Ahmed said, had asked for a government of national consensus in order to hold a free and fair elections, as provided for by the 1973 Constitution.

“I am sure you too will agree that in the 21st century, when all nations of the world are turning their resources and attention to building lives free of hunger and fear, Pakistan and Myanmar are the only two countries in the world where no such conditions obtain,” Mr Khan said.

The letter further states, “as one of the only two military dictatorships in the world, Pakistanis now feel that they need support from the international community to disallow such anti- democratic norms and regimes to hold our collective futures hostage.

“Gen Musharraf’s crude and blatant attempts to witch-hunt popular leaders like Ms Bhutto are clearly intended to intensify, instead of reducing, his unconstitutional grip on all the sources of power in Pakistan.”

The letter said: “All independent observers agree now that any vision that links Pakistan’s stability to one person’s whims is not just dangerous to Pakistan’s own survival as we know it, but also to the region’s quest for peace and freedom from terrorism. We hope that you too will agree and take appropriate action.”