KARACHI, Sept 8: Pakistan People’s Party leader and Alliance for Restoration of Democracy (ARD) chairman Makhdoom Amin Fahim declared here on Saturday that his party did not support the ‘confrontationist’ policy of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and other members of the All Parties Democratic Movement (APDM) because it could lead to imposition of martial law.

The PPP welcomed the return of the Sharif brothers, but it would not support their ‘politics of agitation’, Mr Fahim told a questioner at a news conference. PPP information secretary Sherry Rehman, Sindh PPP president Syed Qaim Ali Shah, provincial secretary-general Nafees Siddiqui and other party leaders were also present.

The PPP, Mr Fahim said, would not be part of the ‘welcome exercise’ for Nawaz Sharif. “He formed the APDM and left the ARD, so what can we do for him,” he said when asked what would be his party’s response if the Sharif brothers were arrested on return.

The PPP leader said his party was striving for a smooth transition to democracy. He said the PPP would oppose any move to impose martial law or emergency because it would be harmful for the country.

Responding to questions about his party’s talks with the military-led regime, Mr Fahim claimed that the Pakistan People’s Party had never deviated from its principled stand that uniform and democracy never functioned together. He said the PPP had presented its demands and the ball was now in the government’s court.

He hinted that all Pakistan People’s Party demands would be met soon. He said that core issues between the government and the PPP would be resolved, adding that the condition of third term for the prime minister was not a big issue, but the PPP had taken a firm stand on article 58 (2) (b).

He claimed that the PPP wanted to send the army back to barracks through dialogue.

He said there was no uncertainty in the ranks of the PPP on the dialogue with Gen Pervez Musharraf.

In fact, he said, the PML (Q) house was in danger.

Mr Fahim said the PPP wanted restoration of the 1973 Constitution as it existed before the October 1999 coup with the addition of two clauses of the 17th amendment regarding joint electorate and reserved seats for women.

He was evasive on reported talks between party chairperson Benazir Bhutto and US Deputy Secretary of State John D. Negroponte in Dubai for finalisation of the deal between the PPP and President Musharraf.

Ms Rehman claimed that Saad Hariri, son of slain Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri, had brought some ‘package’ for PML-N leaders. She said her party could not dilate upon reasons for growing indulgence of foreigners in Pakistan’s politics.

On this occasion, Roshan Junejo, son of the late Shah Nawaz Junejo, joined the PPP.