LAHORE: The PPP has opposed the dissolution of the National Assembly days before the completion of its constitutional tenure, arguing that it will not give a good impression of democracy in the country.

“Instead of dissolving the elected house, it should be allowed to complete its term; otherwise, it will give the impression that the incumbent rulers wish to gain some advantage by delaying elections for 30 days,” said PPP deputy information secretary Munawwar Anjum on Monday.

Hoping that the general elections would be held within 60 days, instead of 90 (if the NA completes its five-year term), he said the polls should be held by Oct 12.

It may be mentioned that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had stated at a ceremony in Sialkot on Sunday that he would relinquish charge before completing his term.

The PPP leader stated that getting 30 more days for holding polls for any reason would neither serve any purpose nor leave a good impression on local and international democratic forces regarding the situation of democracy in Pakistan.

He added that previously, dictators would dissolve the elected houses, and now a democratic party would be undertaking this unpleasant task.

Mr Anjum expressed hope that the prime minister and the opposition leader would jointly decide on the caretaker set-up, and if they failed to reach a consensus, the matter would be referred to the parliamentary committee.

He added that as the PPP is part of the incumbent government, the prime minister would consult its leadership on the interim set-up.

Meanwhile, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has arrived in the Punjab capital to attend a wedding ceremony.

Published in Dawn, July 18th, 2023