ISLAMABAD, Reuter: Prime Minister, Mohammad Khan Junejo today banned political rallies during Thursdays Independence Day to avoid clashes with opposition parties. In a television broadcast, he said opposition parties trying to oust his administration wanted to use the day for political confrontation.
Junejo’s ruling Pakistan Muslims League (PML) and the 10 party Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD), including leading dissident Benazir Bhutto’s Pakistan People’s Party, had
Planned rival rallies on Thursday in the Punjab provincial capital of Lahore.
Opposition rallies were also planned in other major towns to Junejo said opposition parties press a campaign for fresh party based elections by atmosphere of based by the end of this year, a demand rejected by the government.
Junejo, said the PML would that hold its rallies in Lahore and elsewhere on other dates and asked opposition parties to do the same.
The MRD has said it will go ahead with rallies. Junejo said opposition parties were creating an atmosphere of fear by their plans.
The people are worried and apprehensive. But I assure them that we will not allow this sacred day to fall prey to confusion.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 15, 1986
