Asif urged to revoke 58-2(b), 17th Amend

ISLAMABAD - Leader of the House in the Senate Mian Raza Rabbani Monday said that Asif Ali Zardari, being the President of Pakistan, would improve the law and order situation, stabilise economy and maintain a balance between the powers of the Prime Minister and the President.

While speaking on the presidential election in the Senate, Rabbani said the President would soon initiate efforts to revoke 58-2(b) and 17th Amendment from the Constitution. He said Zardari would also initiate a political dialogue on Balochistan issue with a view to put an end to the longstanding miseries of the people of the troubled province.

“Zardari’s political wisdom forced the dictator to quit the presidency and his election with overwhelming majority in the Parliament and the provinces proved that he was a real symbol of the Federation”, Rabbani added.

He reiterated the ruling coalition was committed to repeal Article 58(2)b of the Constitution. “With the passage of time we will move forward towards its abolishment,” he added.

“Zardari has committed that he would work under Parliament but we need cooperation from across the board spectrum,” Rabbani said.

Meanwhile, senators from both the Opposition and the treasury benches termed Asif Ali Zardari’s election as a victory of democracy and hoped that he would act as a symbol of the federation. They urged the newly elected President to abolish 58-2(b) and 17th Amendment to strengthen the democratic principles and practices in the country.

Senators Abdul Rahim Mandookhel, Dr Abdul Malik Baloch and Tahir Hussain Mashhadi congratulated Zardari and said that his success would strengthen democracy. Mashhadi said Zardari was the best choice for the presidency.