PESHAWAR, July 29: Deputy Speaker, National Assembly, Faisal Karim Kundi, claimed on Sunday that political parties were united on national issues and wanted continuity of democracy in the country.

Talking to reporters in D.I. Khan district, he said the initiative taken by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) to hold roundtable conference on national issues was a good omen for the country.

The spirit of tolerance and accommodation has been created among political parties owing to reconciliation policies of PPP leadership, he claimed, saying the PPP had always respected the mandates of other political parties and had taken allies and national parties onboard on all national issues. Democracy is being strengthened with each passing day and problems of people are being addressed, remarked the national assembly deputy speaker.

He said general elections would be held next year and the government would ensure free, fair and transparent polls. He said PPP had long history of sacrifices for the rule of law, democracy, constitutional supremacy and protection of peoples' rights.

He said PPP leaders Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto had sacrificed their lives but did not compromise on rights of people.

Mr Kundi said late Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto had given a unanimous constitution in 1973 that had kept the country intact. Following the footsteps of the Quaid-i-Awam, he said the present government had restored the constitution in its original form.

He said NFC award, giving identity to Pakhtuns, provincial autonomy to federating units, BISP programme, rehabilitation/resettlement of flood affected and restoration of peace in Malakand Division were major achievements of the present government.

The deputy speaker said that PPP had given jobs to youth and reinstated the employees sacked during Nawaz Sharif era.

Mr Kundi said that problem of 1,613 teachers employed during MMA tenure should not be politicised, saying he is with the affected teachers. He said those teachers who fulfilled criteria and eligibility in all respects should not be deprived of jobs.

He said visa scandal and its highlighting by western media was an attempt to defame the country, adding investigation of the scam was underway and ‘we should all wait for its outcome’.—APP