ISLAMABAD, Feb 28: A group of senior politicians here on Saturday announced the formation of a unified platform to express their concern over growing unemployment , heightened corruption and price hikes in the country.
The platform was not given a name but it was stated to be an association of 'like-minded friends' to project citizens' problems.
Air Marsha Asghar Khan read out a statement about the objectives of the group at a news conference.
Former speaker National Assembly Illahi Buksh Soomro, former caretaker prime minister Balkh Sher Mazari, former deputy NA speaker Sardar Wazir Ahmad Jogezai, former minister for industries Shahid Zafar and former MNA Syed Nusrat Ali Shah were present on the occasion.
It was stated that two old politicians, Prince Salahuddin Abbasi of Bahawalpur and Haji Saifullah, had also joined the group but they were not present in the meeting held at the residence of Mr Soomro.
Air Marshal Asghar Khan said, "We express our strong concern over the deteriorating law and order and political situation in the country and are of the view that Pakistan cannot progress nor democracy can be restored until the rule of law is established in the country."
He referred to a number of measures which needed to be taken for restoration of the 1973 Constitution in its original form, holding of future elections in a free, fair and transparent manner and the establishment of a truly independent judiciary.
He said armed forces be restricted to their original responsibility of defending the country under political direction.
Air Marshal Asghar Khan said they had agreed to maintain contact with each other and meet periodically. "We have only exchanged views with each other and are not thinking of forming a new party.
He said those who had come together to voice concern over citizens' problems would remain affiliated with their respective political parties.
This is neither a pressure group against the government nor it demands immediate elections, he said, emphasizing that whenever elections are held it should be fair, free and transparent. He said none of the elections in the country held after 1970 had been free.
Mr Soomro added that none of the leaders in the group was looking for a job in the government nor "we are in the process of forming another king's party."
In reply to a question whether he had contacted PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto prior to the formation of the group, he said it did not cross his mind.
When asked whether Ms Bhutto had concurred with his decision to join the group, former industries minister Shahid Zafar of the PPP said there was no need to consult her on every mundane matter.
"I have joined the group as an individual and shall continue my affiliation with the PPP," he added.
Nusrat Shah said at present the group was a platform of friends. "We are neither against any political party nor will project any party. We have asked Air Marshal Asghar Khan to speak on behalf of the group because he is the senior most amongst us and has been associated with politics for the last 35 years."