Islamabad: Former premier Benazir Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party today decided to allow its candidates to file nomination papers for the January 8 general elections but said these could be withdrawn if all political parties decided to boycott the polls.

"We are taking no chances and we want to cover all the flanks," PPP spokesman Fathatullah Babar said. The last date for filing nominations is November 26 and the last date for withdrawal of nominations is December 7. Hopefully, all the parties will arrive at some decision (on whether to participate in the polls) by then," Babar added.

The PPP's decision came against the backdrop of a call by Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Imran Khan for all parties to boycott the polls.

The former cricket captain described the election called by the military regime as "fraudulent" and said most leaders of the All Parties Democratic Movement were in agreement with him that the polls should be boycotted.

Khan, however, admitted a final decision would depend on the stand taken by the PPP.

In a statement, the PPP said: "Pending the formation of (an opposition) grouping, a common plan, goal and agenda, the PPP would allow its candidates to file nomination papers in protest to expose the rigging plans of the regime, while reserving the right to review its course of action in the coming days and weeks in consultation with other political parties."

"If there is a decision by all parties to boycott the polls, the nomination papers can be withdrawn. We are filing nominations so that we are not caught off guard," Babar asserted.

Source : PTI