PESHAWAR, Nov 8: Pakistan People’s Party NWFP President Khwaja Mohammad Khan Hoti has said that the return of PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto is essential for resumption of democratic process in the country as she can steer the country out of the present crisis.

Speaking at a seminar on the “Life and Struggle of Asif Ali Zardari” here at the PPP office on Wednesday, he said Gen Pervez Musharraf had assured that elections would be held according to the schedule.

He said the PPP leaders had asked the general to withdraw fake cases against Ms Bhutto and Mr Zardari and make the atmosphere conducive for the former prime minister’s return.

He said former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had concocted bogus cases against Mr Zardari and Ms Bhutto but the present governments was reluctant to withdraw them.

The PPP leader said that whenever Afghanistan plunged into a crisis, the NWFP suffered its negative impact. He said people on the streets were against America but they were not the followers of religious organisations.

In the past the US had betrayed Pakistan and people were expressing their resentment against the US policies, he said.

He said the PPP had extended its support to the government in the larger national interest.