JHANG, May 19: Pakistan People’s Party will categorically oppose and resist any attempt by Gen Musharraf to get himself re-elected as president from the present assemblies.

This was stated by PPP Punjab president Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi while addressing a rally at Lalian in Chiniot tehsil on Friday in connection with the campaign for party’s candidate Ahmad Umar Lali for by-election in PP-80 being held on May 24.

He firmly denied any deal, saying that this unfounded rumour had been spread by agents of the government to create misunderstanding between PPP and its allies.

He asked the president to relinquish power and hold general elections under the supervision of an independent election commission acceptable to all political parties of the country.

He said there were some difference between his party and the MMA, particularly on the women rights bill. Mr Qureshi opined that the MMA should quit the Balochistan government to strengthen the cause of opposition in the country.

Addressing the rally, former Punjab governor and PPP central leader, Malik Ghulam Mustafa Khar, compared his two and a half years stint in power in 70’s to seven years of the present government. According to him, there was rule of law in the province in 70’s and he had eliminated theft and robbery. “Now there is a total mess and anarchy in Punjab,” he said.

PPP Punjab secretary-general Ghulam Abbas, MPAs Qazi Ali Hassan Syed and Hasan Murtaza also addressed the rally.

Earlier, the PPP leaders visited Rajoa Saadat near Chiniot where Sardarzada family chief Sardar Fazal Abbas and his nephew Qaim Abbas announced joining of the party along with their followers and other family members.

Sardar Fazal Abbas is a close relative of ruling PML MNA Syed Tahir Shah and Chiniot tehsil nazim Zulfiqar Ali Shah.

Mr Qureshi welcomed the Sardar family in the party and said it would go a long way in strengthening the PPP in Chiniot tehsil and Jhang district.