02 January 2004	Friday	09 Ziqa'ad 1424

HYDERABAD, Jan 1: The Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (Fazl) on Thursday launched a protest movement throughout the province against the construction of Kalabagh dam and greater Thal canal by staging a rally at the press club.

Speaking on the occasion, the JUI leaders said if the people did not get justice and peace was not restored they would rebel against the system.

JUI-F provincial general secretary Dr Khalid Mehmood Soomro said that at the instance of America, an attempt was made to convert Pakistan into a secular state and added that the Ulema would defend the ideological frontiers of the country.

Severely criticizing rampant lawlessness, unemployment, price hike and obscenity in Sindh, the JUI leader demanded of the Sindh governor and the chief minister to tender their resignations if they could not resolve the problems of the people.

He alleged that some members of the assemblies including ministers and police were patronizing terrorists and criminals. He said if the rulers could not eliminate lawlessness and unemployment, they have no right to remain in power.

He said his party even today did not accept the referendum of Gen Musharraf and added the agreement between the government and MMA and did not mean that the latter would support all actions of the president.