LAHORE, Nov 23: The Istaqlal Party says the privatization of the state assets to multinationals is providing them with an opportunity to manipulate prices.

It said after a meeting on Sunday that so far the multinationals were exploiting the masses but the time was fast approaching when even the government would become helpless.

Sensing the looming dangers of the process, the party has decided to join hands with the ARD and the MMA in mounting pressure on the government to stop further privatization.

Manzoor Ali Gilani presided over the meeting.

The participants said that parliament alone was competent to impose a new tax or increase the rate of any existing tax. They said heads of various departments were not empowered to take such decisions, as a result of which elected representatives were reduced to rubberstamps.

Gilani said in his address that former prime ministers Benazir Bhutto and Mian Nawaz Sharif should return home and play their role. He said email messages or telephonic addresses by former premiers reflected their “apolitical” attitude. —Staff Reporter