Lahore February 25, 2998. Safdar Hasan Siddiqi, Convener Pakistan Jamhoori Tehreek, in a statement released to the Press, has seriously objected to the naked interference by President George Bush, Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher, in the internal and foreign policy affairs of Pakistan. They must understand that shielding an insistent illegal and unconstitutional dictator will create intense aversion amongst the people of Pakistan against the United State.
He said that Pakistan is a sovereign state, and a nation consisting of freedom-loving and self-respecting people, who believe in friendship on equal footing between all peoples and nations of the world. He said, Pakistan strongly believes in peaceful co-existence, and is against aggression, militancy and war.
He has warned American politicians and government executives for siding blatantly with Parvez Musharraf, who is working against the interests of the people. People want to get rid of him because, they believe, he is the cause of all ills besetting the country, and is the main hurdle in the way of its development and progress. He will never allow the smooth functioning of a government of the people. His departure at this moment is a sheer necessity for a better future for the country.
He said, the newly elected parties are entitled to form the future government and formulate its policies, both internal and external, according to the mandate given by the people, and, therefore, no dictation can be countenanced from any foreign country. He has also asked the foreign embassies in Pakistan to refrain from attempts to undermine the newly elected leaders’ efforts at forming a secure government to solve the dire problems of the people.
He expressed satisfaction at the assured relations between the main democratic parties - the PPP, the PML(N) and ANP - and certain other reliable parties. He asked them to coordinate closely in forming and steering the future government, and not unnecessarily look towards other parties or groups for government formation. They could very well play a positive role while remaining in the opposition, and prove their good credentials for the future.
Released to the press by:
Safdar Hasan Siddiqi
Convener, PJT
PAKISTAN JAMHOORI TEHREEK
74/A-2 Abu Bakr Block, New Garden Town, Lahore.
Phone & Fax: 5862199 Mobile: 0321-4348340 E-mail: safdarsiddiqi yahoo.com