August 26, 2008	Tuesday	Sha'aban 23, 1429

PESHAWAR, Aug 25: The NWFP Assembly adopted a resolution on Monday, endorsing the candidature of PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari for the post of president.

The resolution, jointly moved by the PPP and ANP, was supported by 75 legislators.

PPP’s provincial president and Senior Minister Rahimdad Khan said the assembly had endorsed the nomination of Mr Zardari because he was the nominee of the leading political party.

He expressed the hope that after his election Mr Zardari would strengthen the democratic process, work for the supremacy of the constitution and independence of judiciary and play a role in ending violence in Fata and the NWFP.

Awami National Party leader and Senior Minister Bashir Ahmed Bilour said Mr Zardari would play a positive role in strengthening the parliamentary system and the federating units.

Lawmakers belonging to the Pakistan Muslim League-N, PPP-S and Mutahidda Majlis-i-Amal boycotted the proceedings. Only four MPAs of the PML-Q were present in the house and they voted against the resolution.

Nighat Orakzai of the PML-Q displayed a poster against the National Reconciliation Ordinance. She raised slogans but the pro-Zardari chorus by PPP’s women lawmakers drowned out the slogans raised by her.

Later, the speaker ordered the assembly staff to expunge all indecent remarks made in the house.

Akram Khan Durrani, a former chief minister and MMA’s parliamentary leader, opposed the resolution saying it was not the right time for presidential elections.

He said the PPP had taken the decision without consulting its allies. He said the province was bleeding because of indiscriminate bombings in Bajaur and Swat.

He said Mr Zardari had conveyed a message to his allies on Sunday night that he was unable to honour his pledges and agreements with them. He said it was a message not only for the PML-N, but also for the MMA.