LAHORE, Oct 15: People’s Party leaders on Wednesday condemned what they called unjustifiable seven-year detention of Asif Ali Zardari and demanded his release without delay.

They said the detention of Mr Zardari had shaken the people’s confidence in the judicial system, which should be a matter of concern for the quarters concerned.

They expressed these views at a protest camp set up outside the PDP offices by the party’s women wing.

The participants carried placards bearing slogans against the government, condemning the arrest of Mr Zardari and seeking his immediate release.

Jehangir Badr, Khalid Kharal, Altaf Qureshi, Munir Khan, Sajida Mir and Shamim Niazi were among participants and speakers.

Mr Badr called Zardari a prisoner of conscience, who was being punished for he was the son-in-law to the late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He praised the incarcerated leader for facing detention steadfastly.

He said the human rights organizations should take notice of the matter.

Altaf Qureshi said Mr Zardari was in no mood to win release through a deal with the government. He said he had met Mr Zardari recently and during conversation he had said in clear terms that he was not thinking of any bargain with the rulers.

Mr Qureshi said the PPP on returning to power would take to task all those who had strengthened the hands of dictators.

Qasim Zia said Mr Zardari was being kept behind the bars without any justification.

Sajida Mir urged the judiciary to stand on the side of the masses.

PDP president Mansoor Khan lauded the efforts by the PPP and the ARD for the restoration of democratic system.