sfandyar for accountability of Generals, Judges, Journalists besides politicians

ISLAMABAD, Feb 12 (INP): Chief of Awami National Party (ANP) Asfandyar Wali Khan has called for accountability of three “Jeems” [Generals, Judges, Journalists ] besides the politicians.

In an interview on a private TV channel here on Friday, Asfandyar Wali Khan said that people always stressed for accountability of political leadership, but he was of the view that Generals, Judges and Journalists should also be held accountable for their misdeeds as all three have key role in national issues.

Responding to a question regarding Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) announcement of holding long march against government for not implementing the Supreme Court’s (SC) ruling on National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO), he said that how could one say that government was not following SC judgment as NRO affected federal ministers were regularly appearing in the courts over alleged charges and cases that were quashed under the NRO.

Those pressurizing the government for holding President Zardari accountable under NRO and following SC ruling should realize that Article 248 of the Constitution gives immunity to President as long as he is holding the post, he clarified.

Commenting over the lawlessness and repeated target killing incidents in Karachi , Asfandyar Wali said that though there were some incidents of target killing in the city, but all other killing incidents over different issues were also termed as target killing and this thing has created chaos and misunderstanding among masses.

He claimed that most of the killing incidents of the Karachi city are resulted due to land ownership disputes which were later colored as target killing incidents

The ANP chief said that government was making efforts for restoring peace in Karachi city, but one must not expect outcome of decisions within no time.

He said that Karachi is big city with people across country residing here, therefore, emergence of differences and problems among different communities having different life styles and language is certain and it is not possible for one to correct all such things in a big city like Karachi , he maintained

Asfandyar said the PPP, MQM and ANP were making all efforts for mending the situation in Karachi and political leadership of all these parties are in constant contact to discuss and address the issues confronting the city.

To question he said that ANP, MQM and PPP have alliance and not merged in each other, therefore, there was difference in viewpoint and policies of these parties

About issue of renaming NWFP as Pukhtoonkhaw, the ANP chief said soon the issue would be resolved amicably.

He said that Charter of Democracy was signed between the PPP and PML-N, and other political parties including ANP, MQM, and JUI were not its signatory and not involved in it.

He said that all the institutions should work while remaining within their constitution ambit to avoid any tussle.

“There would be no tussle if all the institutions work while remaining within the constitutional ambit”, he advised

Asfandyar Wali categorically denied presence of Blackwater in NWFP saying there should be no hesitation if military experts from other countries including the US come Pakistan to train Frontier Constabulary and Police in war against insurgency and suicide bombers.

About talks with Taliban to maintain peace in the region and in Pakistan , the ANP chief said that talks cannot be held at the gun point.

“I am prepared and ready to sit down anywhere, with any one for dialogue provide that both sides should first surrender, and Taliban should accept writ of the government”, he announced.

Asfandyar Wali said incidents of suicide bombings and killing of innocent people are meant to destabilize Pakistan .