KARACHI, July 3: The Pakistan People’s Party on Wednesday criticized the inclusion of three new ministers into the provincial cabinet having political affiliation with the Sindh Democratic Alliance and termed it a “preemptive step to rig” the general election.

Speaking at a press conference here, Sindh PPP President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro said the move as unjustified and had generated scepticism among the people about the transparency of the proposed elections.

He said the government appeared to be overawed by the growing popularity of the PPP and these steps were aimed at using unfair means to block its way.

Mr Khuhro demanded the induction of an interim government to ensure the holding of fair and transparent elections through an independent election commission.

Expressing his concern over the deterioration in the law and order situation in the province, Nisar Ahmad Khuro urged the government to take effective steps to eliminate terrorism.

He criticized the proposed constitutional package introduced by the government which, he claimed, was aimed at providing maximum power to an individual.

A leader of the PML-QA, Munawwar Butt, also announced his joining the PPP on the occasion.

Other PPP leaders, including N. D. Khan, Aftab Shahban Mirani and Munawwar Suharwardi, were also present.—PPI