KARACHI, Oct 25: Ghinva Bhutto, Chairperson of the Pakistan People’s Party-Shaheed Bhutto, has criticised the draft code of conduct for the upcoming general polls, saying that it provided for a ban on political rallies, processions and other traditional methods of public mobilization. “Imposition of the ban is a conspiracy to keep candidates away from the masses,” she observed.

In her statement, she said the ban was proposed by the government on the pretext of the Oct 18 tragedy in Karachi. She was of the view that the move had created reservations among people and was bound to affect the credibility of the election results.

She criticised the government for not consulting all political parties while preparing the draft of the code of conduct. She also slammed that secret talks were being held with particular political leaders or parties on the formation of a caretaker government. This would make the impartiality of the caretaker set up in the elections even more dubious, she added.

The PPP-SB chairperson said that the Election Commission had already failed to maintain its respect and impartiality.—PPI