June 29, 2002	Saturday	Rabi-us-Sani 17, 1423

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QUETTA, June 28: Alliance for Restoration of Democracy, Balochistan, and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (F) on Friday rejected the proposed constitutional package and observed that it was a violation of the mandate given to the military government by the Supreme Court.

In a meeting presided over by Balochistan ARD President Khuda-i-Noor, the alliance decided to oppose the government’s move.

It demanded that an interim government should hold free and fair elections as people had no confidence in the military rulers in view of the referendum.

The meeting observed that empowering the military rulers to amend the Constitution was an attempt to change its federal parliamentary and democratic character. The participants said it was the responsibility of the democratic forces to unite for foiling such attempts of the rulers.

It expressed concern over the heavy deployment of forces in and around Dera Bugti and siege of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti’s residence.

It was demanded that frontier constabulary personnel should be withdrawn immediately and negotiation should be started for resolving the issue.

The alliance demanded that former prime ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif should be allowed to take part in the elections as it was their democratic right.

It said the people would not allow the rulers to make discriminatory laws for blocking the way of politicians in the elections.

Members of the JUI(F) Balochistan Shoora in a meeting presided over by Maulana Mohammad Khan Sherani, observed that a pandora’s box would be opened if the military rulers were allowed to amend the constitution.

The meeting also expressed its concern over the Dera Bugti situation and demanded withdrawal of forces from the area. It assured help to Nawab Bugti.