LAHORE, Sept 26: The Punjab PML-N working committee on Sunday called for the formation of an interim national government comprising nominees of all parties represented in parliament.
The proposed government, it said in a resolution, should set up an independent and powerful election commission to hold the general election under the 1973 Constitution "as early as possible". Also, it said, election to the office of the president be held.
Zulfikar Khosa presided over the meeting held at the residence of secretary general Saad Rafiq. Refusing to recognize Gen Musharraf either as president or army chief, the resolution said he should vacate both the offices and hand himself over to the law.
Another resolution alleged that the Kashmir policy of the government negated the country's consistent stand on the issue. It condemned the raising of a fence by India along the line of control with the alleged covert support from the Pakistan government.
The participants were of the view that those responsible for the "Kargil adventure" could not give the region a lasting peace. They also made it clear that any solution to the Kashmir dispute which was not in consonance with the resolutions of the United Nations would not be acceptable to the people of Pakistan or Kashmir.
Other resolutions condemned the Wana operation, indications for the recognition of Israel, deteriorating law and order situation, increase in the gas tariff, restriction on press freedom and increase in prices.
The meeting demanded that former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Ms Benazir Bhutto be allowed to return home. The participants rejected as drama the election of Shaukat Aziz as prime minister, and said since Aziz had failed to give people relief despite promises, he should step down.
The party also decided to observe a protest week on the completion of Gen Musharraf's five year in power. A comprehensive plan has been chalked out for the purpose. It will observe Oct 1 as a day of condemnation against military operation in Wana and Balochistan.
The party decided to take part in the next year's local elections, no matter what the situation. Recommendation for the purpose would be sent to the central leadership. The participants condemned the conviction of Javed Hashmi and the arrest of Asif Ali Zardari and Yousaf Reza Gilani.
Organizational matters of the party also came under discussion. Those who participated in the meeting included Tehmina Daultana, Ishaq Dar, Ghulam Dastgir Khan, Javed Lateef, Zaeem Qadri, Mian Asad Mohammad, Saba Sadiq, Rana Ijaz Hafeez and Nasir Iqbal Khan.