Solving disputes with India key for peace: Musharraf in poll manifesto

“No peace is possible unless the Kashmir dispute is resolved along with the Siachen and Sir Creek issues,” he said at the launch of his party’s manifesto for the May 11 general elections.

Pakistan’s standing in the world community and its role in the emancipation of Muslims around the globe are the two other important elements of the APML’s four-pronged foreign policy,Musharraf said.

He referred to Pakistan’s geo-strategic location and underlined Islamabad’s importance in all regional economic and trade initiatives.

“Whether it is the Central Asian states,Afghanistan or India,no trade (initiative) will be possible unless Pakistan allows it. We have to improve connectivity with Afghanistan,China,Iran and India,” he said,at the event held amidst tight security at his farmhouse at Chak Shahzad on outskirts of Islamabad.

Meanwhile,an election tribunal Monday rejected Musharraf’s appeal against rejection of his nomination papers for a constituency in Karachi. His papers for constituency 250 were rejected after another candidate challenged them on grounds that the ex-military ruler had violated the Constitution and sacked members of the judiciary during the 2007 emergency.

Former Pak premier declared ineligible for contesting polls

Islamabad: A Pakistani election tribunal Monday declared former premier Raja Pervez Ashraf ineligible for contesting the forthcoming general election. The tribunal comprising judges of the Lahore High Court upheld a Returning Officer’s decision to reject nomination papers filed by Ashraf to contest polls from a parliamentary constituency in his hometown of Gujjar Khan. The tribunal rejected an appeal filed by Ashraf because of his alleged involvement in corruption in clearing power projects and development schemes in Gujjar Khan. PTI

Independent candidate supporters killed

Islamabad: Two supporters of an independent candidate were killed and three injured in a shooting Monday,adding to concerns about security for the general election on May 11. The supporters of Abdul Rahem Khan,an independent candidate for a constituency in South Waziristan tribal region,were attacked by suspected militants in Dera Ismail Khan area of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. PTI