KARACHI, Nov 27: Pakistan People’s Party chairperson Benazir Bhutto on Tuesday renewed her invitation to PML (N) leader Nawaz Sharif to discuss the political situation.

Addressing a late-night news conference at Bilawal House after returning from Larkana, she said the situation in the country was delicate and stressed that she and Mr Sharif must talk.

“We must talk and discuss (issues) together,” she said, adding that she respected views of other political leaders. She referred to the Charter of Democracy her party had signed with Mr Sharif and said since both were back in the country they should engage in dialogue.

She demanded release of deposed judges and leading lawyers and expressed concern over their health.

She pointed out that Aitzaz Ahsan who was a candidate of her party would not get a fair chance to campaign because he was in detention. It would be contrary to the principle of providing level-playing field to everyone, she said.

Replying to a question about reinstatement of deposed judges, Ms Bhutto said the PPP’s struggle had been for independence of the judiciary, supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law. “Our struggle is not for individuals but for independence of the judiciary.”

Answering another question, she said as long as the country did not have a civilian political leadership elected in a transparent way under an independent election commission the objectives would be difficult to achieve.

She said her party’s manifesto with a new agenda in the given political situation would be announced soon.

She said the country was passing through a critical phase and militancy and extremism had increased. The country was facing the problem of unemployment and other human development needs.

She said the international community was now actively supporting the demand of the Pakistani people for swift and smooth transition to a democratic dispensation through free and fair elections.

She reiterated her demand for an independent election commission and removal of improvised polling stations. She said if there was democracy there would be the rule of law.

Ms Bhutto also expressed concern over the situation in Balochistan and demanded release of Baloch leaders.

She emphasised the need for resolving the problems of the people of Balochistan and the tribal areas. She expressed concern over the Parachinar situation and termed it something akin to genocide.