20000210

GDA reiterates demand for election

KARACHI: Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) on Wednesday reiterated demand for the restoration of democracy by holding general elections in the country.

"We are not demanding restoration of Nawaz Sharif Government, but general elections," said Makhdoom Amin Fahim, senior vice chairman PPP after presiding over GDA meeting at Bilawal House.

The first day's proceedings of GDA meeting attended by heads and top leaders of component parties was held on Tuesday at Khurshid Memorial Hall in Azizabad, near the headquarters of the Muttehada Qaumi Movement (MQM).

Talking to newsmen at Bilawal House, Makhdoom Amin Fahim said GDA leaders have warned against any amendment or change in the unanimously adopted 1973 Constitution."Any change or amedment in the 1973 Constitution would not be acceptable to GDA," he stressed.

He maintained that no individual has any right to make any amendment in the 1973 Constitution and added only the Parliament which is sovereign can amend the Constitution.

He said GDA demanded the establishment of an independent and autonomous Election Commission to hold free, fair and transparent elections.

The meeting was attended by Nawabzada Nasrullah, President PDP, Asfand Yar Wali Khan, President of ANP, Allama Tahirul Qadri, Chief of PAT, Hamid Nasir Chattha, President PML (Chattha), Aftab Shaikh, Deputy Convenor of MQM and others.

Syed Qaim Ali Shah, a PPP leader hosted a lunch for GDA leaders at Bilawal House which was also attended by Prof. Ghafoor Ahmed, Naib Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami.Ñ PPI