January 14, 2003	Tuesday	Ziqa'ad 10, 1423

Please Visit our Sponsor (Ads open in separate window).

RAWALPINDI, Jan 13: The parliamentary leader of Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA), Qazi Hussain Ahmad, on Monday reiterated his stand that he would resign if the sovereignty of parliament and Constitution were not restored.

The MMA leader was speaking at a public meeting organized in connection with the by-elections in NA-56 constituency on Monday.

“I won’t become the servant of Gen Musharraf, but this does not mean that I would sit at home,” he said.

He said the prime minister, Mir Zafarullah Jamali, was just like a servant of the president. The MMA has been struggling for the supremacy of parliament in order to strengthen elected government, but Mr Jamali is under intense pressure from the president and can’t take a single step without his approval, he added.

He termed discretionary powers of the president, including appointment of provincial governors, as totally unconstitutional and demanded these be waived.

He also criticized the government for giving the FBI operatives a free hand to arrest anyone. He termed it as signing away the country’s sovereignty.

The JI chief vowed that the MMA would end this slavery and restore country’s independence.

“We want to become a free nation and this is the wish of all Pakistanis.”

Speaking on the occasion, the chief of Pakistan Tehrik-i- Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, said he supported the MMA because it was the only political alliance which followed its principles and opposed American slavery.

The PTI chief criticised the government for giving the FBI full freedom to carry out its activities and demanded to halt these immediately.

He termed announcement of grants for constituencies where by- elections were being held as open rigging and bribes.

“The US has initiated a crackdown on all Muslims, especially Pakistanis, but the government is totally helpless. It is shameful the rulers and the country.”

He said people of Pakistan were against American attack on Iraq and warned the government to respect the decision of people.

“It will be the biggest mistake committed by the government if it supported America against a Muslim country,” he said.

The PTI chief said ministers in the present setup had cases against them, but these were withdrawn after they joined the PML-Q.

“Under these circumstances, it is the duty of every citizen to lead the MMA to success.”