Aziz to contest Pak election from two constituencies

Islamabad, Nov 16 (UNI) Former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz will contest the upcoming general election from two constituencies.

''I hope to contest from two constituencies,'' he said but did not name the constituencies.

Mr Aziz said he was offered to contest from eight constituencies but the final decision would rest with the party's parliamentary board, Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

It was on the people of Pakistan to decide who would be the next chief executive of the country, he added.

Emergency was not imposed to delay the general elections but to tackle the deteriorating law and order situation in the Frontier Province, particularly Tribal Areas, he explained.

The caretaker government had the responsibility to ensure a level-playing field for all the political parties for the general elections.

About US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte's visit to Pakistan, Mr Aziz said he was visiting Pakistan to take stock of the situation in the country.

''He is coming on a routine visit during which we will get a chance to inform him of the ground realities and also know about his view point,'' he noted.

There is no harm in seeking someone's opinion, he said, adding that Pakistan, however, was a sovereign country and no one could dictate it.

UNI