KARACHI, Sept 29: Pakistan Peoples’ Party leaders on Saturday condemned the use of force against journalists covering the scrutiny of presidential nomination papers and lawyers and political workers who were protesting against Gen Pervez Musharraf’s candidature outside the Election Commission office in the federal capital.

Addressing a news conference at the Karachi Press Club, PPP leaders, Senator Raza Rabbani, MNA Fehmida Mirza, leader of the opposition in Sindh assembly Nisar Khuhro and Jam Saifullah Dharejo, expressed solidarity with the injured lawyers and journalists.

Mr Rabbani said that the use of force against lawyers and journalists demolished the government’s claim about freedom of the press and belief in democratic culture.

He said that it was the democratic right of lawyers and political leaders to protest against the policies of the government. He alleged that the government did not want transparency in the election process.