KARACHI: Asif Ali Zardari, the PPP co-chairman, has accused former president retired Gen Pervez Musharraf of ‘hatching conspiracy with some elements’ to destabilise the Sindh government and called upon ‘political and democratic forces’ of the country to beware of such activities.

In a statement issued from Naudero, where the former president had addressed a rally two days ago on the death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto, Mr Zardari did not name the ‘elements’ which he thought were cooperating with Gen Musharraf, but said the PPP would not be affected by any such conspiracy.

“Pervez Musharraf is busy hatching conspiracy with some elements to destabilise the Sindh government, but the PPP will not let him succeed,” the Bilawal House spokesman quoted Mr Zardari as saying.

“These conspiracies are going on for the past several months. History is witness to the PPP unity and democratic norms and the party has always emerged as victorious against such designs. The fresh conspiracies would meet the same fate.”

Reacting to the PPP allegation, Gen Musharraf’s All Pakistan Muslim League said the fresh statement of Mr Zardari was part of his deliberate attempt to malign the armed forces.

“The Sindh government doesn’t need any conspirator to get destabilised,” said Aasia Ishaque Siddiqui, senior leader of the APML.

“The PPP co-chairman is trying to find lame excuses to cover up inefficiency of the Sindh government, which is directly responsible for the death of hundreds of children in Thar. The other point is that the idea of military courts is seriously disturbing the PPP and other parties.”

She said the military courts would definitely charge terrorists and their abettors and the co-chairman was well aware of the fact that who could have fallen under the mandate of these courts.

“His speech in Naudero and now statement against Pervez Musharraf reflect the level of frustration among the ranks of PPP leaders, who finding no way forward, are now maligning the armed forces,” said Ms Ishaque.

Published in Dawn, December 30th, 2014

Opinion

Editorial

More pledges
Updated 25 May, 2024

More pledges

There needs to be continuity in economic policies, while development must be focused on bringing prosperity to the masses.
Pemra overreach
25 May, 2024

Pemra overreach

IT seems, at best, a misguided measure and, at worst, an attempt to abuse regulatory power to silence the media. A...
Enduring threat
25 May, 2024

Enduring threat

THE death this week of journalist Nasrullah Gadani, who succumbed to injuries after being attacked by gunmen, is yet...
IMF’s unease
Updated 24 May, 2024

IMF’s unease

It is clear that the next phase of economic stabilisation will be very tough for most of the population.
Belated recognition
24 May, 2024

Belated recognition

WITH Wednesday’s announcement by three European states that they intend to recognise Palestine as a state later...
App for GBV survivors
24 May, 2024

App for GBV survivors

GENDER-based violence is caught between two worlds: one sees it as a crime, the other as ‘convention’. The ...