LAHORE, Aug 3: Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan was elected unopposed here on Saturday president of the Pakistan Democratic Party.

The office of the secretary-general remains vacant for the time being as nobody filed nomination papers.

Basharat Mirza and Rana Nazrur Rahman were elected vice-presidents and Khwaja Izhar the central information secretary.

Nawaz Gondal was elected Punjab president of the party.

Addressing the party leaders and then talking to reporters the Nawabzada demanded the establishment of a government of national consensus to ensure free and fair elections.

He said it was regrettable that at a time when India had deployed its troops on borders, Gen Pervez Musharraf was pursuing divisive policies.

He said it would be unfortunate if the government tried to keep the Pakistan People’s Party and the Pakistan Muslim League out of the electoral process.

GREETS SHAHBAZ: Alliance for Restoration of Democracy president Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan has congratulated Mian Shahbaz Sharif for being elected president of the Pakistan Muslim League.

Talking to reporters, he said his election would strengthen the ARD. PML leaders and workers distributed sweets at various places in the city.