Ex-Servicemen called for immediate dissolution of assemblies

Lahore: The Pakistan Ex-servicemen Association (PESA) on Tuesday called for immediate dissolution of assemblies, formation of a constitutional caretaker government, electoral reforms and appointment of an Independent Election Commission before fresh elections are held.

PESA has also offered its services to act as facilitator in the present crisis in the best cause of Pakistan.

This was observed in the meeting of the Executive Council of PESA held to discuss current crises-like political situation prevailing in the country.

Vice Admiral Ahmad Tasnim SJ & Bar presided the meeting. Admiral Fasih Bokhari, Lt Gen Naeem Akbar, Air Marshal Masood Akhtar, Brig Muhammad Taj,SJ & Bar, Brig Mian Mahmud, Brig Masud ul Hassan, Brig Simon Sharaf and Major Farouk Hamid Khan and others attended the meeting.

All members unanimously agreed the present crises in the country have exposed cracks, failings and vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s constitutional democracy.

It is time for the government to take initiative and resolve the crisis through political and constitutional means avoiding use of force, they said.

The ex-servicemen expressed grave concern that political leaders have failed to rise above party affiliations at the cost of country’s interests.

The Government and Parliament have so far failed to perform their institutional functions and responsibilities towards addressing the serious and genuine public issues being raised through public protests.

It was noted that enough doubts have been raised regarding the fairness of elections. Continuing process of disqualifications of elected members, including some ministers, is a testimony to those doubts.

Therefore PESA calls for dissolution of assemblies, formation of a constitutional government, electoral reforms and appointment of an Independent Election Commission before fresh elections are held.

The former military strategists expressed concern at the failure to implement orders of Additional Session Judge to register the FIR of Model Town incident which is contempt of court orders and breach of fundamental rights under the constitution. The Punjab Government must immediately give directions for implementation of court orders. The accused can claim innocence at the trial.