MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

23.10.2007

with request for inclusion in the agenda for the debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 115 of the Rules of Procedure
by Jean Lambert
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
on Pakistan

NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

B6‑0417/2007

European Parliament resolution on Pakistan

The European Parliament,

- having regard to Rule 115 of its Rules of Procedure;

A.  Whereas President Musharraf was re-elected President of Pakistan on 6 October 2007, on the assertion that he will resign as chief of the Army as soon as the Supreme Court has ruled on the legality of his mandate,

B.  Whereas national elections are scheduled in Pakistan for January 2008,

C.  Whereas, with a view to the upcoming votes, the two main leaders of the opposition, Nawaz Sharif (Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)) and Benazir Bhutto (Pakistan People's Party (PPP)) returned to Pakistan after years in exile

D.  Having regard that Nawaz Sharif was forcibly returned to Saudi Arabia by the Musharraf government within hours of his arrival in Pakistan, whereas Benazir Bhutto after months of negotiations achieved an agreement on power sharing in which Musharraf's aspiration to a third mandate is recognized in exchange for the lifting of all corruption charges against Bhutto making way for the her possible election to the post of prime minister,

E.  Whereas on 17 October 2007 the Supreme Court of Pakistan resumed a hearing on the conformity of President Musharraf's election with the constitution and is expected to pronounce its verdict in the coming days;

F.  Whereas the already fragile pre-electoral climate in Pakistan has been further heated by a horrific bomb attack on Benazir Bhutto's convoy which resulted in the deaths of more than 130 people and the wounding of hundreds more;

1.  Extends its deepest sympathy to the people of Pakistan and especially to the families of all those killed and injured in this despicable act;

2.  Reaffirms its solidarity with the people of Pakistan who share the objectives of democratic governance and transparent, accountable rule and who act with courage and determination in the face of terrorist and criminal violence;

3.  Calls on the Government to set up an independent commission or inquiry into the responsibilities for the suicide attack on the PPP convoy

3.  Asks the Government of Pakistan, as a pre-condition for democratic elections, to allow for the return of all political leaders who can contribute to reducing the extremist forces in the country and contribute to establishing legitimate government through free and fair elections, to replace the current military dictatorship;

4.  Urges the Government to accept and implement the Supreme Court's directive to end the disappearances of political opponents;

5.  Expects that President Musharraf honours his pledge to relinquish his post of army chief, which he has previously agreed to do on several occasions;

6.  Reiterates its demand that the Caretaker Government to be put in place must be neutral and expresses again its concern about the fact that the composition of the Caretaker Government is decided by President Musharraf alone;

7.  Urges the Government again to limit the role and influence of the military and other armed groups and to return power to the democratic institutions;

8  With particular regard to the ongoing insurgency in Balochistan, demands that the military refrain from supporting Islamist parties in a bid to counter secular Baloch and moderate Pashtun forces; further demands the release of all political prisoners, including those in the unlawful custody of intelligence agencies;   

9.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the Government of Pakistan.