PPP rejects opposition’s long march to Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Rejecting the opposition’s plan to stage a long march from Peshawar to the federal capital on Sept 27, the PPP has urged the opposition and the government to show mercy to the people and avoid any clash. “Frequent marches on Islamabad severely disrupt the lives of citizens,” said the party’s Secretary General Nayyer Hussain Bukhari in a statement on Tuesday. “Whether it is May 9 or Nov 26, the people ultimately suffer,” he added. Political clashes, he said, at the cost of the country and its people were unacceptable. Urges govt, political parties to avoid confrontation over Sept 27 protest “The government and the opposition must show mercy to the people and resolve political issues through dialogue,” Mr Bukhari said. He said repeated marches and confrontations in Islamabad severely affected the lives of citizens and disrupted normal economic and social activities.

He said that, whether it was May 9 or November 26, ordinary people were ultimately forced to face difficulties and disruptions. “Political confrontation and violence at the cost of the country and its people are unacceptable,” he added. Mr Bukhari urged both the government and the opposition to show consideration for the people and focus on political stability, economic development and resolution of public issues. He said the prevailing circumstances demand that both sides demonstrate political maturity and prioritise the national interest. The PPP leader said the government and opposition should abandon stubbornness and adopt the path of dialogue. “Political issues cannot be resolved through confrontation, force or agitation; they must be addressed through negotiations and constitutional and democratic means,” he added. Mr Bukhari said Pakistan was neither a monarchy nor could a monarchical system…