October 28, 2007	Sunday	Shawwal 15, 1428

SWABI, Oct 27: Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman said on Saturday that conspiracies were being hatched to postpone the general elections, which would be against the interest of the country and its people.

Talking to journalists here, he said the elections should be held according to the schedule. “The Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal is intact and we will contest the upcoming election from its platform,” he said. “The problems at lower level in the MMA will be solved through talks.”

He said the MMA government had not allowed an operation in any part of the NWFP but now the government was planning it in Swat.

In reply to a question, he said: “I think the war against terrorism is a war of interests. When a country cuts your independence, attacks and occupies your country, then it becomes natural to stand up against the usurper.”

“Americans should not meddle in the internal affairs of Pakistan, because it is leading to destabilisation,” he said.

“The American occupation of war-ravaged Afghanistan and its interference in the tribal region fuelled the fire. Whatever happens in Afghanistan has a direct effect on Pakistan’s security,” he said.

He said the apex court should remain independent to deliver justice.

He said the JUI had rendered sacrifices for the All Parties Democratic Movement.

About his controversial role in the dissolution of the NWFP assembly, he said that he had advised APDM leaders that the decision of resigning from the assemblies should not be announced because it would invite a no-confidence motion against the NWFP chief minister.