PESHAWAR, Dec 2: The Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) asked all the “democratic forces” in the country on Saturday to launch what it called a decisive movement against the government of Gen Pervez Musharraf, describing it as a security risk for Pakistan.

Speaking at a news conference held at the Peshawar Press Club to welcome some activists of Jamiat-i-Ulema-i-Islam (Fazl) to his party, the provincial chief of PML (N) Pir Sabir Shah claimed that by adopting the Protection of Women Bill the government had turned the country into a “free sex zone”.

Sabir Shah pointed out that the JUI (F) activists had left a government party in order to join an opposition party, which was no doubt a difficult decision to make. “However, they have opted for a struggle.”

Gen Musharraf had destroyed every institution in the country in an effort to prolong his rule, he claimed. Nawaz Sharif would never strike a deal with the general who, according to him, had destroyed the economy besides setting aside the Constitution.

Sabir Shah said people were committing suicides but the rulers and their cronies were painting a bright picture of the economy in order to hoodwink the developed world. He said the provincial governments had generally failed to provide protection of life and property to the masses.

He reiterated that his party was fundamentally opposed to the Protection of Women Bill. The rulers wanted to introduce western culture into the country but PML (N) would not allow them to tarnish the image of Pakistan, said Sabir Shah.

He also criticised the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal which, according to him, had failed to bring about a real change in the province as it was hardly different from the past and present rulers. PML (N) had extended unconditional support to MMA on issues of importance, but it ultimately became “a part of the status quo”.

Speaking on the occasion Shahid Noor — an activist of JUI (F) who joined the PML (N) — claimed that MMA had betrayed the voters by promoting a culture of corruption and hypocrisy. He said he would work for the restoration of democracy.