BRUSSELS, Oct 25: The European Parliament on Thursday called on Pakistani authorities to allow all exiled political leaders to return to the country ahead of elections there set for January.

The parliament called on Pakistan “to allow the return of all political leaders to counter the extremist forces in the country and contribute to establishing a legitimate government through free and fair elections, replacing the current military dictatorship.”

The resolution condemned the forced departure of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to Saudi Arabia last month “despite a ruling of Pakistan’s Supreme Court allowing his return to Pakistan.”

The European parliament’s motion also urged Pakistan to return to democratic government “by holding free, fair and transparent elections in January 2008 and warns against the imposition of emergency rule or other measures to suppress freedom of speech, association, assembly or movement.”

The members of the European Parliament added that Pakistan should provide all political parties with equal access to the media.

The parliament in Strasbourg also condemned “the arbitrary arrest of members of the opposition when they criticised President Musharraf”.

The MEPs voiced concern at reports of “ongoing oppression of religious minorities such as Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs and Ahmadis and the use of blasphemy laws against them”.—AFP