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GDA rejects PCO, demands elections

KARACHI: Heads and top leaders belonging to the opposition Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) on Tuesday declared they would not accept any "change or amendment" in the 1973 Constitution and demanded restoration of democracy under Federal Parliamentary form of Government.

They rejected promulgation of Provisional Constitution Order (PCO) of October 14, 1999 and opposed taking of fresh oath by judges of the superior judiciary under the PCO. They called for ensuring an independent judiciary.

They underlined the need for establishment of an independent Election Commission and updating voters list to hold general elections. Local Bodies polls are not substitute for general elections, they stressed.

They also demanded that process of accountability should be transparent and across the board. All those involved in corruption and misuse of power and looting national wealth including those belonging to the civil and military bureaucracy be made accountable. A Committee headed by Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan of PPP was set up to challenge National Accountability Bureau Ordinance and amendment in Anti-Terrorism Act.

The meeting chaired by deputy convenor Muttehada Qaumi Movement Aftab Shaikh was attended by Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan President PDP and his party leaders Mushtaq Mirza and Nawaz Gondal, Mr Asfand Yar Wali Khan President ANP along with Zahid Khan, Farooq Bangash and Barrister Bacha, Makhdoom Amin Faheem, senior vice chairman PPP, along with Jahangir Badr, Nisar Khuhro, Syed Khurshid Shah and Syed Qaim Ali Shah; Hamid Nasir Chattha Chief of PML (Chattha), Mairaj Mohammed Khan Secretary General PTI and Dr Arif Alvi, Abu Jaffar PML (Jinnah), and Ather Siddiqui of PAT.

The GDA leaders will meet tomorrow Wednesday at Bilawal House. PPI