23 March 2004	Tuesday	01 Safar 1425

KARACHI, March 22: The All Parties Conference, organized by the Pakistan People's Party here on Monday, demanded dismissal of the Sindh government for its failure to protect life and property of common man which, it said, was reflected in the killing of Abdullah Murad (MPA).

In a resolution, the APC accused the government of abetting criminals and giving a free hand to anti-social elements. While criticizing lawlessness, particularly in Sindh, the APC demanded appointment of an inquiry commission comprising judges of high court to probe the MPA's killing.

The conference deliberated upon the growing incidents of terrorism, target killings and deteriorating law and order situation in the province. Provincial chief of the PPP and leader of the opposition in the Sindh Assembly, Nisar Khuhro presided over the conference.

The APC was attended by leaders of 18 parties, including PML-N, Jamaat-i-Islami, PTI, JUP, Mohajir Qaumi Movement, and ANP. A unanimous resolution adopted by the APC alleged that the government was not sincere in arresting the MPA's killers. The parties also demanded restoration of the 1973 Constitution and immediate return of General Musharraf and the army to barracks.

Describing Musharraf government as 'security risk', the APC condemned the ongoing military operation in tribal areas, and claimed that the rulers had taken a U-turn on nuclear programme and important national issues.

Speakers severely criticized army generals for occupying the country forcibly, and observed that the continued military rule might lead to a repeat of East Pakistan tragedy.

Deploring armed force's interference in civil affairs, they said the practice had paralyzed the entire political system and was responsible for the problems being faced by people.

They stressed on an integrated approach in political parties towards mobilizing masses for getting rid of the prevailing situation. They condemned the killing of innocent people during the ongoing operation in South Waziristan.

They conference also condemned the handling of nuclear issue and demonising Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan by the government. Among others who spoke at the APC were N. D. Khan, Rashid Rabbani, Munawwar Sohrawardi, Prof Ghafoor Ahmed, Dr Mairajul Huda, Ejaz Shafi, Mamnoon Hussain, Salim Zia, Zain Ansari, Kamran Rizvi, Hafiz Taqi, Dr Qadir Magsi, Zubair Khan, Basharat Mirza, Amin Khatak and Allama Furqan Abidi.