KARACHI, Aug 2: Leader of the Opposition in the Sindh Assembly and a senior PPP figure Nisar Ahmed Khuhro has said there is no harm in holding talks (with rulers) on peaceful transfer of powers which, according to him, has always been a key issue in the country’s politics.

Addressing at a news conference in his assembly chamber on Thursday, Mr Khuhro recalled that an attempt had earlier been made to resolve the issue on the eve of the 2002 elections when a joint opposition committee was set up to find ways to overcome the political crisis prevailing at that time. However, he alleged, the efforts were sabotaged by the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal leadership which entered into a “secret deal” with the military government.

Mr Khuhro apprehended that hurdles might be put in the way of peaceful transfer of powers after elections again this time, arguing that such troubles had been created following the general elections in 1970, 1988 and 1993.

He strongly defended the policy being pursued by PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto, saying that talks were being held on the issue of a neutral caretaker set-up for holding free and fair elections.Mr Khuhro categorically stated that the PPP would not accept Gen Pervez Musharraf as a president in uniform and would also oppose his re-election in uniform through the incumbent assemblies. He said there should be no ambiguity about the party’s stand on the issue which was clear.

“Our party chief is playing a positive role in the restoration of democracy,” he confidently stated, adding that she was highlighting the issue of voters’ registration to ensure right to franchise for every eligible citizen.