Back channel contacts meant for transition to democracy: PPP

The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has said that ongoing back channel contacts with the Musharraf regime are aimed at ensuring a transition to democracy from a military-dominant administration.

Islamabad, May 1 : The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has said that ongoing back channel contacts with the Musharraf regime are aimed at ensuring a transition to democracy from a military-dominant administration.

PPP spokesperson Farhatullah Babar said the " (Musharraf) regime has been in contact with all political parties, including the PPP, for transition to democracy. However, no agreement has been reached on this issue".

The Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) has, however, expressed its reservations about the contacts between the PPP and the government.

"There is no room for back channel contacts under the spirit and text of the Charter of Democracy," the Dawn quoted Chairman PML-N Raja Muhammad Zafarul Haq, as saying.

Another senior PML-N leader, however, said: "It would be difficult for the PML-N to maintain an alliance with the PPP, if it failed to satisfy us and refuses to severe direct or indirect contacts with the government."

Babar, however, told the Dawn that all critical decisions would be taken by the PPP "in consultation with the Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy (ARD)".

He also said Benazir Bhutto had never said that the PPP would vote for Musharraf as President from the sitting Assemblies.

He said there was a "difference between contacts and settlement. The back channel contacts of the regime have not led to any settlement on issues in transition to democracy," he said.

ANI