ISLAMABAD, Sept 20: Chairperson Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Benazir Bhutto has welcomed the support for restoration of democracy by Human Rights Watch (HRW). On the eve of the meeting between Gen Pervez Musharraf and George Bush, HRW called upon the US president to “press the Pakistani military ruler to restore civilian rule, hold free and fair elections, and end legal discrimination against women.”

“If Mr Bush is serious about fostering democracy in the Muslim world, how can he support Musharraf’s refusal to end military rule in Pakistan? President Bush should make it clear that the US would not stand by as it did in the past when Musharraf subverted the Pakistani constitution and staged flawed elections,” said Brad Adams, HRW Asia director.

According to a PPP press release issued here on Wednesday, HRW called for fair elections, gender rights and stated that the Pakistani constitution prohibits the army chief from holding a political office implying that the general should give up one of the two offices. It also commented on the agreement between the ruling party and the MMA on the repeal of anti-women’s legislation.

However, the regime has clarified that it would submit the bill in its original form to the National Assembly in late September or early October.