KARACHI, 1 July — The military government is expected to lift ban on political activities in the second week of July to allow parties to prepare for the forthcoming general elections scheduled for October.
So far political activities have been confined to subdued protest meetings organized by parties under the umbrella of the Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy (ARD), a grouping of over a dozen parties.
A government official while confirming that the end of the ban was on the cards said political parties would be allowed to demonstrate their potential and competence. A formal announcement by the government will be made soon.
But political activities will only be allowed under a code of conduct restraining the parties from conducting public rallies at places where peace could be disturbed, he said.
The parties will have only three months to place their election programs before the people for seeking vote. The government will also allow leaders to appear at the state-run Pakistan Television and speak out their election agenda. This is to provide political leaders with ample opportunities to have access to the masses.
The government is chalking out a strategy to allow the leaders to acquire time on PTV but will not allow them to speak against the government.
The government has taken the decision after the ARD threatened to stage protest rallies across the country from July 5.
The ARD will continue to stage protest rallies till July 26. Sources said that they have started making preparations for public rallies in all the major cities of Pakistan.
Tehmina Daultana of the Pakistan Muslim League said her party was preparing for the forthcoming elections and would hold meeting of workers during this month. She said that Nawaz Sharif would be back in the country before the general election. Many political leaders believe that the incumbent chief election commissioner should be replaced if Gen. Pervez Musharraf wants free and fair elections.
A majority of politicians who have been barred from contesting the poll for being non-graduates are deeply frustrated. However, some believe the condition will have a better effect on the country’s polity.
