KARACHI, Aug 12: Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, deputy secretary-general of the Pakistan Peoples' Party, on Thursday said that Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz had no locus standi to represent the people of Thar , as he knew nothing of their problems and was in fact openly supporting the projects that would add to their miseries.

Speaking at a news conference at the Bilawal House after returning from his visit to Mitthi and its adjoining areas, Mr Qureshi accused the government of using official resources to influence the by-election in Thar to favour its candidate.

Flanked by N D Khan and Rashid Rabbani, Mr Qureshi, commenting on the government claims that Mr Aziz would win the NA-229 by-election by a huge margin against the PPP candidate, said: "Such claims are adding to our apprehensions that the government is hopeful of getting Mr Aziz elected in view of pre-poll rigging and widespread use of public resources in his election campaign."

The government had decided to get results in its favour by all means, alleged Mr Qureshi. To a question he said the PPP was opposing Mr Shaukat Aziz on principles and slammed the government for declaring that no "outsiders" would be allowed to visit the constituency, and said that it would be against the democratic norms.

"If they have nothing to hide, then why should they act in such an undemocratic manner," he said, adding that "why should Pakistanis not be allowed in the constituency, which is part of Pakistan."

He expressed the hope that Gen Pervez Musharraf would honour his commitment of giving up his military post and uniform by Dec 31. He said if it was not done then one could not rule out the possibility of a public movement against the government.

He said that perhaps the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal had supported the 17th amendment on certain conditions, and if Gen Musharraf did not abide by that agreement, then it would be a violation of the 17th amendment.

The PPP deputy secretary general said the provincial administration had taken over the transport system in NA-229, mainly comprising the "kekraas," the vehicles which were the main mode of transport in the desert constituency. This was aimed at creating difficulties for the opposition, he alleged.

He demanded the Election Commission of Pakistan to ensure fair and transparent elections in the constituency. Replying to a question regarding Balochistan situation, he said the issue should be resolved through negotiations, and the rulers must learn from the past mistakes. "In 70s, the situation was different, as our Western border was calm but today there is immense trouble on our Western borders," he added.