KARACHI, July 4: The PPP on Thursday expressed apprehension that following recent large-scale constitutional amendments made by the government, the mode of governance in Pakistan would become presidential and consequently it would lead to undermining the sovereignty and independence of the parliament and democratic institutions.

These fears were expressed by Mian Raza Rabbani, acting secretary-general of the party, while speaking at a press conference at Bilawal House in Karachi.

He said that the PPP was of the firm opinion that the government had not authority to make basic changes in the 1973 Constitution.

“If any such plan was implemented through presidential orders or any ordinance, it would prove to be a major blow to the present structure of federal and provincial parliamentary system besides causing irreparable damage to provincial autonomy”, he added.

He claimed that the popularity of party’s chairperson has unnerved rulers and in order to keep her away from electoral process, they are recoursing to arbitrary measures and high-handed approach which reflects their panic and chaotic condition.

Referring to induction of five ministers of the Sindh Democratic Alliance (SDA) in the Sindh Cabinet on Wednesday, he charged that a majority of them do not fulfil the condition of graduation as set by the government for contesting the October general elections.

“Their induction appears to the first step towards making the whole process of election as non-transparent. Besides one of the minister was disqualified to contest elections for seven years period while other was inducted owing to his quitting PPP in past”, he added.

According to him, large-scale rigging is under way in electoral lists and despite party’s reservation against these steps and appeals to keep a check these unlawful activities, the party is unable to get justice which is fast eroding the credibility of election process.

The government agencies, he said, were harassing expected party candidates by asking them to deposit their bio-data and four pictures. Under which law the government had the authority to demand such uncalled requirements.

Expressing concern over non-transparent privatisation of the UBL by the government, he said whole process is shrouded in mystery and ambiguity as government reacted very strongly when private TV channels raised this issue effectively.

“The government owe an explanation to the nation as to what are circumstances which compelled it to dispose of such prestigious bank at throwaway price.

The party would soon issue a detailed report in this connection to apprise masses about factual position,” he stressed.

Speaking on the occasion President Sindh PPP, Nisar Khuhro cited an incident of gang-rape of a young woman in Multan which he termed as worst example of good governance.

He claimed that this heinous act had considerably undermined the image of the country globally and the government instead of cosmetic measures should award exemplary punishment to those found involved in this horrible act.

N.D. Khan expressed his reservation against recommendations of the task force on higher education, saying if implemented, it would further contribute to polarisation of the society.

Prominent among those present on the occasion included Rashid Rabbani, Taj Haider and others.—PPI