JEDDAH, 5 May 2008 — The rank and file of Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) want its Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari to become prime minister as early as possible, said the party’s Secretary-General Muhammad Jehangir Bader.
“As party secretary-general, I have already given my input to the co-chairman that all of us want him to be the prime minister.”
He added, “In my understanding Zardari will heed our advice.”
Bader said this issue would be deliberated by the party leadership after by-election is held some time next month that Zardari is tipped to win.
Bader praised Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani for heading the government at a very turbulent moment. But he was not willing to say whether Gilani will complete his tenure or this was just a stopgap arrangement until Zardari takes up the job.
“Gilani is a seasoned politician and is doing a good job. But how long he will serve there is an issue to be decided democratically by the PPP.”
Bader, who has served thrice as federal minister, said that insiders and foreign elements are involved in the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, so a UN probe is a must.
Bader was in the Kingdom to perform Umrah.
“A lot of people, both insiders and outsiders, conspired to assassinate Benazir Bhutto. Our agencies can also probe the incident and book the culprits, but if we do that our detractors will say that it is being done in vengeance. And that is why we want a probe by the United Nations,” Bader said.
According to him, the most pressing issues before the country were poverty, women’s empowerment, law and order and militancy that have plagued several regions of Pakistan.
“The PPP won the mandate from the people in the Feb. 18 elections on its manifesto of “roti, kapda aur makaan” (food, clothing and shelter) and not on the matter of judges’ restoration,” he said.
“The PPP was formed by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto for the uplift of poor, women’s empowerment and to make Pakistan a democratic nation. And Shaheed Benazir Bhutto sacrificed her life for these ideals, so these issues are always our top priority.”
He said democracy could never take root in Pakistan unless we counter the feudal lords and military generals.
“One of our top priorities is to break down the nexus and opportunistic alliance between feudal lords, army and agencies. This is needed for the healthy growth of democracy and its institutions in the country,” said Bader, who has served as Pakistan’s federal minister thrice. Speaking about the extremism that has plagued a large swathe of Pakistan, Bader said this is another priority area for the coalition government.
“Mullas are the biggest problem, which we have to tackle immediately, accurately and effectively. They run a parallel government in some parts. In NWFP, they hold sway. They don’t allow their women to vote. Literally, women in the province have been denied their right to vote. Our aim is to restore, as soon as possible, the rule of law there and create an atmosphere where everybody, including women, can exercise their right to franchise. This is what Benazir Bhutto strived for and now that we are in power we will make her dream come true,” Bader said.
Speaking about the PPP-PML-N alliance, the top PPP leader and policy-maker said, “The alliance is fine. We have a working relationship with the PML-N.”
“But the PPP is an independent party with some historic firsts to its credit. It is a historical party which has given Pakistan leaders of international acceptance and stature, so we will never give in to any pressure from any party or group, For us, Pakistan’s interests are more important than anything else.”
Regarding PPP’s ties with the Muttaheda Qaumi Movement, which has joined the Sindh Cabinet despite strong resentment from Nawaz Sharif and his PML-N party, Bader said, “We are not bound to go by what our alliance partners feel and are free to join hands with any party or group we find compatible with our plans and policies. The PML-N is also free to decide about its partners. There is absolutely no confusion on this point,” Bader said.
He added that the MQM is a force to reckon with in Sindh and any party which wants to govern the state smoothly would certainly want to take it on board.
Bader said that simply by restoring the sacked judges the judiciary couldn’t become independent and unbiased. “A lot more needs to be done to make it independent, responsive and unbiased.”
Speaking about President Pervez Musharraf, Bader said, “He has already completed so many years in service. Whether he continues or not is not our priority. The Parliament will decide Musharraf’s fate.”
“Our party is very clear that at this point of time we need to work for the betterment of the country to tackle issues directly affecting the poor people, law and order. Other things will be decided as and when the need arises,” Bader said.
All friendly countries, he said, have helped us. They played a vital role in bringing democracy to Pakistan. “We listen to their advice and suggestions but take our own decision which suits our country.”
