12 September 2004	Sunday	26 Rajab 1425

KARACHI, Sept 11: The 9/11 incident was a drama masterminded by the United States and Israel both of which are at war against the Muslim Ummah.

This was observed by Prof Ghafoor Ahmed, a central leader of the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) and Naib Amir of Jamaat-i-Islami, while addressing a protest demonstration at Empress Market here on Saturday. The rally was organized to mark the third anniversary of the 9/11 incident.

He said that US and Israeli secret agencies were involved in staging the drama. "Even after three years now, the US has failed to determine a motive for the attack on the WTC," he pointed out, and said that Washington had miserably failed in proving the allegations it had been levelling against Muslims.

The rally was part of the countrywide demonstrations organized by the MMA to protest against US aggression and its increased interference in the affairs of other countries.

Holding banners and placards in their hands, participants of the rally condemned 'terrorism by the US' and raised slogans against pro-US rulers.

Maulana Abdul Karim Abid, Allama Hasan Turabi, Dr Mairajul Huda Siddiqui, Maulana Umar Sadiq, Muhammad Hussain Mehanti, Hafiz Muhammad Taqi, Muhammad Rafique, Aslam Ghauri, Muhammad Laeeq Khan, Nasrullah Shaji, Hameedullah Khan and Yunus Barai were among others who addressed the rally.

Deploring the role of 'US agents', Prof Ghafoor pointed out that the United States had dropped atom bombs on Japan and subjected several other countries to aggression, but its agents had resorted to aggression against their own people and in their own country.

"Army is being used to bomb Wana and kill men, women and children," he claimed, and asserted that tribal people had always defended our borders and were as patriotic as others could be.

He deplored that Gen Musharraf was refusing to doff his uniform by the end of this year, and reminded him that "one day, he will have to surrender both the offices he is holding today."

Instead of taking terrorists and criminals to task, the government had resorted to a crackdown on ulema, students and other innocent people, he said.