ISLAMABAD, May 24: Chairperson of the Pakistan People’s Party Benazir Bhutto has urged the government to immediately grant permission to all political parties to set up their own FM radio stations to balance the access to the public between moderates and extremists.

In a statement released here, she said the PPP was opposed to discrimination in award of permission for FM radio stations. She alleged that extremists against women education and vaccinations for children were being given FM radio stations to broadcast their views, while moderate political parties were not given the same opportunity.

She said that extremists could carry out illegal acts like operating FM stations without seeking permission, grabbing state lands, kidnapping police officials and other citizens, while political parties were being denied the right to law itself.

She noted that the regime had still not arrested nor allowed the filing of a report against culprits involved in the attack on parliamentarian Dr Azra during the February by-elections.

Ms Bhutto warned that without providing a level-playing field to all political players, extremists would continue to make strides in society, while the opportunity of hope and progress for the people of Pakistan would dwindle.

She said the armed forces should be neutral, adding that it does not help the cause of impartiality when armed force members campaign for particular political parties and leaders.

However, despite the obstacles being placed in its path, the PPP and its allies will triumph with the support of the people and build a society free from poverty, backwardness and exploitation, she said.

She asked the MMA to review its deal with a radical cleric in Swat who was resisting polio vaccinations, women education and the right to leave homes on their own accord.