Leftist parties demand cut in non-development expenditure.

ISLAMABAD -- The All Parties Conference of progressive leftist and nationalist parties have demanded cut in all non-development expenditure including perks and privileges of prime minister, cabinet members, parliamentarians, judiciary and the defence expenditure.

The conference was organised by the Communist Party of Pakistan (CPP) at the National Press Club.

The conference also criticised India for its war hysteria and demanded that New Delhi should restore previous status of Jammu and Kashmir for betterment poor people of sub-continent.

The conference adopted a resolution for creation of a province for the Seraiki people according to their free will.

Leaders of 13 parties participate in the conference including Communist Party of Pakistan, Pakistan Mazdoor Kissan Party, Pakistan Inqilabi Party, Pakistan National Party, Awami Tehreek, Awami Jamhoori Party, Jeay Sindh Mahaz, Pakistan Mazdoor Mahaz, Jammu Kashmir, National Party, Pakistan Siraiki Paty and others.

Addressing the conference, CPP Secretary General Imdad Qazi said the purpose of the conference was to create alternative joint political forum for labour and common people of Pakistan.

He said: 'We will struggle for the elimination of state subjects and fourth schedule from the Jammu Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan so that people could decide their future as per their free will.'

The left-leaning and nationalist parties claimed that Pakistan has been converted into a religious and security state instead of welfare state, and expressed the...