18 February 2004	Wednesday	26 Zilhaj 1424

KARACHI, Feb 17: Malik Sarwar Awan, founding president of the Punjabi Pakhtoon Ittehad, on Tuesday criticized the faction of his party which, led by Malik Sikandar Awan , had organized an address by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement's chief, Altaf Hussain, the previous week.

Addressing a news conference at the Karachi Press Club, Mr Awan dispelled the impression that his party had become an ally of the Muttahida.

As he addressed the press conference, activists of the PPI staged a protest demonstration in front of the KPC against Malik Sikandar Awan. They chanted slogans against the Muttahida Qaumi Movement.

Mr Awan alleged that the Muttahida used the PPI's name illegally and tried to give an impression that Punjabi, Pukhtoon and the people of Hazara were supporting Mr Hussain.