JEDDAH/ISLAMABAD, 11 November 2007 — Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has “wholeheartedly” welcomed Benazir Bhutto’s proposal for an all parties conference aimed at uniting all political parties opposing the military regime.
However, in a letter addressed to Benazir, a copy of which was e-mailed to journalists yesterday, Sharif did seek clarification from Benazir regarding the “nature and details” of promises made to her by President Gen. Pervez Musharraf.
“You have announced your plan to organize a long march from Lahore on Nov. 13 in case Musharraf fails to fulfill his promises. As we are not aware of the nature of these promises, we would appreciate if you could take us into confidence concerning their details,” wrote Sharif.
The former prime minister, who was deported in September hours after returning to Pakistan from a seven-year exile, said he had already spoken to several members of the All Pakistan Democratic Movement (APDM) about Benazir’s proposal for an all parties conference to fight against the military regime.
“They (the APDM members) feel that for any front to succeed, it would be essential to stick to a four-point agenda,” he said. Sharif, who is based in Jeddah, then went on to elucidate the four-point agenda. “1. The Constitution of Pakistan should return to its original form as it stood on Oct. 12, 1999. 2. The Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO) should be withdrawn immediately thereby lifting the emergency. 3. Reinstatement of Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry and all other judges of the Supreme Court and high courts prior to the proclamation of the PCO on Nov. 3, complete freedom of the media and immediate release of all those who were arrested in the aftermath of the Nov. 3 developments. 4. Free and fair elections by an independent, effective and impartial Election Commission under a neutral caretaker setup to be appointed in consultation with the united opposition.”
Sharif reminded Benazir that no credible elections were possible under the current climate of fear. He said in order to implement the four-point agenda “all political forces will have to abandon all contacts with the establishment.”
Sharif said after Musharraf’s abrogation of the Constitution and the sacking of the chief justice, together with other Supreme Court and high court judges through a provisional constitutional order, the necessity of the opposition parties taking a united stand was essential. “History will not forgive us if we fail to unite in order to fulfill our national obligations,” he said.
Sharif said the All Parties Conference hosted by his Pakistan Muslim League in London in July 2007 was another step in the direction of uniting opposition forces. “I am glad that you have now finally realized the efficacy of holding such a conference and forming a united opposition front,” he said.
Sharif said there was no doubt that the country was facing grave crises. “These are, without a shadow of doubt, the most critical times in the history of our beloved country. Things have reached such a state that it has become incumbent on all Pakistanis to play their part,” he added.
