Pakistan shall heal the wounds of Balochs, says Benazir

Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has demanded the release and general amnesty for all Baloch leaders, and an end to the military operation in Balochistan.

Karachi, Nov 28 : Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has demanded the release and general amnesty for all Baloch leaders, and an end to the "military operation" in Balochistan.

Pakistan should "heal the wounds" of the Baloch people, Bhutto told reporters at her Naudero residence.

Bhutto also pointed towards resuming reconciliatory talks with President Pervez Musharraf if he relinquished his uniform as he had promised.

She welcomed doffing of uniform by Musharraf "in a peaceful manner" and hoped it would lead to a peaceful return of democracy in Pakistan.

Bhutto also said that the Pakistan People's Party would not boycott the upcoming general elections.

She said the PPP had tried to convince all other political parties to participate in elections and they were now following the party's stance.

Bhutto also said that the PPP would sweep the elections if emergency is lifted before polls, illegal transfers and postings are cancelled and irregularities in setting up of polling stations are reversed.

The Daily Times quoted Bhutto as saying that the government had already decided to rig the elections and had transferred many judges across Sindh for this purpose.

The PPP rejected such actions but would contest the elections instead of leaving the field open for rivals, she added.

ANI