KARACHI, April 22: The Pakistan People’s Party claimed on Monday that anti- Pakistan elements were using Gen Pervez Musharraf’s bid for perpetuating his power through referendum which would weaken the federation.

Speaking at a meeting of PPP workers in connection with the April 29 rally in Nishter Park, PPP leaders said that Pakistan was not created through referendum or ordinances but through great sacrifices rendered by millions of people.

Munawwar Suhrawardy claimed that with the passage of time the “truth” about referendum had become more apparent, and “the people have seen through the foul play.” He said that the people would show their rejection of referendum by staying back at home on April 30.

Nabil Gabol said: “Referendum is a ploy to pit the people of Sindh against the armed forces, which will not be allowed by the people who believe in a federal Pakistan.”

He claimed that on April 29 the people would demand that Gen Musharraf be stopped from playing the same role which Gen Ziaul Haq played in Sindh.

Others who spoke at meeting were Afaq Khan Shahid, Habibuddin Junedi, Khalil Qureshi, Haji Muzaffar Shujra and Rashid Rabbani.