KARACHI: Restoration of political activities demanded
KARACHI, July 19: Leaders of political and religious parties at an all-party conference here on Friday urged the government to lift the ban on political activities immediately to create a conducive environment for the October general elections.
The APC organized by Jamaat-i-Islami at its provincial headquarter and participated by leaders of a number of political, religious and alliances unanimously rejected the proposed constitutional package and amendments to the 1973 Constitution.
The JI deputy chief and a leader of the Muttahida Majlis-i- Amal, Liaquat Baloch, asserted that the 1973 Constitution was adopted unanimously by all political parties and it met all political, religious and local needs.
He said the constitution be restored in its original form as changes would make the situation even worse. He termed the proposed constitutional changes an anti-democratic move aimed to transfer all powers to one individual.
He cited examples of a number of countries where frequent interference by armed forces in civil affairs caused serious damages to the country.
He criticized restoration of joint electoral system and maintained that the move has actually harmed the interest of the minorities as they would be deprived of their representation in the legislative assemblies.
Mr Baloch urged the politicians to forge unity to face the upcoming challenges in the face of a prolonged US presence in the region, which he said was a growing danger to the integrity of Pakistan.
A leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) and ARD general- secretary, Sindh, Zainul Abedin, urged the political parties to evolve a joint strategy to save the constitution from further “desecration”.
He was critical of the proposed constitutional package, saying that it would lead to an authoritative rule of an individual on over 140 million people.
Secretary-general Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam, Maulana Abdul Karim Abid, said the government has failed to honour its commitment on which the apex court had allowed it to continue in office.
He asked the rulers to acknowledge its failures and form an interim government which can hold elections impartially.
Hafiz Taqi, secretary-general of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan (JUP-N), said political parties must follow a code of conduct and learn to respect each other while in power to make democracy stronger.
He viewed that political parties should not support any step of the government as only democratic government has the right to be in power.
Provincial JI chief Asadullah Bhutto contended that the proposed constitutional amendments would only fan hatreds among the provinces as they would not have enough powers to do something better for the people.
Mufti Usman Yar, a leader of JUI-S said almost all the parties have refused to accept the proposed amendments aimed to further empowering the president.
Allama Hasan Turabi of the Millat-i-Jaferya Pakistan linked the imposition of three martial laws during the 54-year-old history of the country with weakness in the rank of political parties.
Chairman Sindh Tarraqi Pasand Party Dr Qadir Magsi held the view that complete provincial autonomy was the only solution to all problems of the country.
Leader of Jamiat Ahl-i-Hadis Arshad Wazir Abadi said we must follow the saying of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) to finish evils in society jointly.
Chief PML (Qayyum) Khan Amanullah Khan said political parties should keep their differences aside in this crucial hour as cohesion was need of the hour.
Ibrar Kazi of Awami Tehreek criticized the government’s attitude to support some political parties and termed the constitutional amendments undemocratic.—PPI
