LAHORE, Sept 10: Punjab PPP President Qasim Zia said on Tuesday that Ms Benazir Bhutto would return home after her party’s victory in the October elections.

Speaking at a seminar on “Elections 2002 and minorities”, he said despite disallowing Ms Benazir to contest the elections, the government could not stop her from returning to the country.

No matter what hurdles had been created in her way, the masses would bring her back, he said.

Mr Qasim said the PPP had never compromized on principles. Ms Benazir could have made a deal with the government but she preferred to stick to the principles.

He said the PPP would continue its struggle against the undemocratic elements along with all democratic forces.

Mr Qasim said the PPP had always fought for the rights of minorities and considered them equal citizens. He said after coming into power the PPP would restore the status of minorities.

Former interior minister Aitzaz Ahsen said elections without Mr Nawaz Sharif and Ms Benazir held no importance. He said that the late president Ziaul Haq had made all efforts to weaken the PPP but it survived because of its deep roots in the masses.

Mr Fakhar Zaman said the PPP and the minorities were one and the same thing.

He said the PPP was the only party which always supported the rights of the minorities at all fora.

Christian Aman Party Chairman Simon W Johnson urged the government to conduct a census of the Christians and accordingly allot them seats in the national and provincial assemblies and the senate.