November 18, 2007	Sunday	Ziqa’ad 07, 1428

ISLAMABAD, Nov 17: The Foreign Liaison Committee (FLC) of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) on Saturday expressed appreciation and satisfaction over, what it called, show of unconditional support for the democratic forces of Pakistan struggling for restoration of the rule of law and Constitution in the wake of “martial law declared by Gen Musharraf in the name of emergency”.

In a statement here on Saturday, FLC coordinator and Senator Enver Baig said the international response to the totalitarian measures of the military regime had inspired the forces of moderation under the leadership of Benazir Bhutto to multiply their efforts for the revival of democratic institutions and return of armed forces to the barracks.

He said the imposition of emergency and other draconian laws by the Musharraf regime to suppress fundamental rights in the name of war on terror had raised serious alarm around the world.

Mr Baig said governments, non-governmental organisations and eminent personalities had expressed solidarity with the democratic forces of Pakistan at this time of trial and stunning uncertainty. Advocates of human rights believe that the November 3 emergency will distract attention away from the war against terrorism which Gen Musharraf ostensibly wanted to fight.

He said the PPP lauded the international community including the US, Great Britain, Germany, Japan and the United Nations secretary-general for urging Gen Musharraf to lift the siege on the people and the press, doff his uniform, roll back the ban on the movements of Ms Bhutto and take steps to hold free, fair and transparent elections conducted by an independent election commission and a neutral caretaker setup.