KARACHI: The chief of the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML), retired General Pervez Musharraf, announced on Sunday that his party would take part in the coming local government elections.

Addressing the first day session of a two-day meeting of the APML’s central executive committee in a local hotel, he said the government had failed to deliver and there were “indications” that general election might be held before the completion of its term.

He said the country was facing serious crises and people were disappointed because of terrorism and extremism, class-based system, corruption, misuse of authority, price hike, unemployment, power outages and shortage of basic facilities.

Know more: SHC declares Musharraf ineligible for Parliament

Mr Musharraf said people were losing hope, adding that rich people and educated and skilled youths were leaving the country. The situation could lead to mid-term elections under a caretaker government, he said.

He asked leaders and workers of the APML to prepare for local government elections by reorganising and activating the party from top to the lowest level.

General elections may be held before the completion of the govt’s tenure

He stressed the need for reforms in economy, agriculture, energy, education, health and other sectors which could be possible only with a change in government and amendments to the constitution.

The former president said it was his concern for the country which had compelled him to return to Pakistan in 2013 despite security concerns and false cases registered against him. “The call of duty and the spirit of patriotism brought me back to Pakistan to form a third force with the help of patriotic and people-friendly forces.”

But after forming the APML, he could not focus on the task because he had been entangled in legal issues, he deplored.

He noted that the APML was gradually taking root and people from other parties were also joining it.

The meeting adopted three resolutions, pledging support to armed forces in the Zarb-i-Azb operation to eliminate terrorism, vowing to continue struggle to rid the country of nepotism and empowering the APML’s high command to streamline the party’s organisation and form an alliance with like-minded parties.

Published in Dawn March 23rd , 2015

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