February 15, 2008	Friday	Safar 07, 1429

FAISALABAD, Feb 14: The Pakistan People’s Party will not become a part of any fragile government in Islamabad after the election as it will earn a bad name for the party.

PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari said this at the Dhobi Ghat ground here on Thursday where he was addressing a big public meeting. The party, he said, would snatch freedom for masses and democracy to change the current system and form a strong government in Islamabad.

He said a group of people was out to sabotage the system of the country only for their personal interest. However, he said, people wanted to see a new Pakistan and PPP would abolish the exploitative system come what may.

Mr Zardari said Ms Bhutto believed that people would support the party to bring about a sea change in the system.

He expressed the hope that the party would form government in the centre after winning the election. However, he categorically said that PPP would not join any weak government as it would damage party’s repute.

"I would hold the government which can change fate of the masses," he added.

He said the Punjabis had nothing to do with the murder of former premier Benazir Bhutto, and that they always stood by the party.

"Punjabis sacrificed their lives for Ms Bhutto in Liaqat Bagh. All Punjabis, Sindhis, Balochs and Pakhtuns are innocent, only rulers are exploiting them."

Terming Liaqat Bagh tragedy murder of the nation, he said Ms Bhutto was much worried about the future of Pakistan.

"I am here to save Pakistan of Ms Bhutto, along with Bilawal."

Mr Zardari asked why government did not conduct the postmortems of the PPP activists who lost their lives in Liaqat Bagh incident.

He said PPP workers had the power to avenge the killing of Benazir Bhutto, but the party wanted to take revenge by saving the country as it was desire of the slain leader.

Criticising performance of the rulers, he said they deprived people of jobs and daily food items and put their lives at risk. The PPP’s manifesto ensured jobs and basic necessities for all segment of society, he added.

Mr Zardari, paying tribute to people for attending the public meeting despite terrorism threat, urged them to turn up on the polling stations on Feb 18 and vote for PPP to bring about a change. He asked them don’t be afraid of anything, otherwise history would not forgive them.

The meeting was held under tight security and all roads leading to the venue were cordoned off, diverting the traffic to alternate routes.

PPP secretary-general Jehangir Badar, Punjab president Shah Mehmood Qureshi, finance secretary Babar Awan and others also address the gathering.