November 30, 2006	Thursday	Ziqa'ad 8, 1427

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QUETTA, Nov 29: People’s Party Parliamentarians secretary-general Jahangir Badar has termed the Balochistan situation alarming and urged the government to hold talks with the Baloch leadership to resolve contentious issues.

Speaking at the Balochistan Bar Association and a meeting of party workers here on Wednesday, he said political and constitutional matters could not be resolved through use of force.

Mr Badar criticised the military operation and arrest of political workers in Balochistan and said extra-constitutional methods would weaken political and democratic institutions.

He urged the government to stop the operation and hold dialogue with political leaders of the province.

He praised lawyers for their role in the struggle for restoration of democracy in the country and hoped that they would continue to support the opposition’s struggle against dictatorship.

He said the PPP since its formation by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had been opposing the army rule.

It faced the wrath of military rulers Gen Ayub Khan and Gen Ziaul Haq in the past, and was now facing the opposition from Gen Musharraf, he said, adding that the military rulers never succeeded in separating the party leadership from the masses.

The People’s Party Parliamentarians leader said Tuesday’s meeting between Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif in London was important. He denied that his party was negotiating any deal with the government.

He said Ms Bhutto’s return to the country was linked with the announcement of the general election schedule.

He said the party leadership was not afraid of undemocratic rulers and had rendered great sacrifices for restoration of democracy in the country.

He said the PPP was struggling for stability of the federation and a true democratic system and not to grab power.

Provincial party president Nawabzada Lashkari Khan Raisani and secretary Bismiullah Khan Kakar also spoke on the occasion.