17 July 2004	Saturday	28 Jamadi-ul-Awwal 1425

KARACHI, July 16: The All Parties Conference, held at Idara Noor-i-Haq on Friday, taking strong exception to Sindh governor's remarks about the possibility of a ban on Jamaat-i-Islami, demanded his removal.

The meeting, convened by the All Parties Action Committee under the chairmanship of its convener Maulana Qazi Ahmad Noorani Siddiqui, strongly criticizing the Sindh governor for his anti-Jamaat remarks and the recent government measures, also decided to stage a protest outside New Memon Mosque after Juma prayer on July 23.

It was decided at the meeting that until terrorism was brought to an end in the city and "unnecessary" ban continued on the use of loudspeakers in the mosques, besides the alleged abuse of Islamic values by the rulers, the APC would continue its struggle.

Maulana Qazi Ahmad Noorani Siddiqui accused the government of deliberately trampling on political forces and following a conscious policy of undermining Islamic values.

Maulana Siddiqui was critical of the Sindh governor, whose position he claimed was controversial, and declared that the Jamaat-i-Islami and other political parties, who recognized and respected the Constitution, couldn't be stopped by anybody from representing the people's aspirations.

He accused the governor of being partisan and representing an organization which, according to him, had been propped up by a dictator and was allegedly involved in extortions and killings.

He expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order and held the elements within the government responsible for it. Maulana Khan Mohammad Rabbani of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam asked as to who was behind attacks on places of worships and other acts of terrorism, and raised the accusing finger at the major stake-holder in the ruling coalition in Sindh.

Allama Zubair Abdi slammed the government for imposing a partial ban on the use of loudspeakers and called for improving the judicial system in the country to provide speedy justice to the common man.

Mr Ejazul Hasan Zaidi was of the view that the office of the governor should remain impartial. Zafar Taqi Rizvi demanded a ban on the Muttahida Qaumi Movement for its alleged involvement in 'fascist' activities. Mr Ahmad Dara emphasised the need for improvement in police and the judicial system. He demanded that the alleged "terrorists" should be removed from the government.

Hassan Turabi called for setting up a cell of the APC Action Committee to monitor law and order situation and terrorism incidents in the city, on a permanent basis.

Dr Mairajul Huda Siddiqui, president Jamaat-i-Islami, Karachi, slammed the government for imposing a partial ban on the use of loudspeakers in the mosque, and allowing the cable channels to show whatever they wanted, saying it was a clear manifestation of the government's designs against Islamic norms and institutions.

He claimed that there were various cases against the present Sindh governor, which were quashed by the former governor, and slammed the government over the ongoing gang war in the city, in which buses were blown up, and termed it a failure of the regime.

Basharat Mirza criticized the government for failing to improve law and order in the city. Through a unanimous resolution, the APC also demanded immediate release of Shamsher Ahmad Khan of the Mohajir Qaumi Movement.