December 16, 2007	Sunday	Zilhaj 5, 1428

RAWALPINDI, Dec 15: Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party head Mehmood Khan Achakzai on Saturday said security of the country lied in strong democratic institutions that have been destabilised by the present regime.

Addressing an extended gathering of lawyers at Rawalpindi Bar Association (RBA) he said only constitution and rule of law could guarantee secured future of the federation and no single person was inevitable for the stability of the country.

He was invited by the lawyers to show solidarity with legal fraternity in the campaign of poll boycott.

Common man could never have say in decision-making till political role of the army in the helm of affairs, he said.

“When the superior judiciary of the country is under house arrest how there can be a real democracy and rule of law. Independent judiciary has never been acceptable to autocratic forces,” he maintained.

He denounced the decision of Benazir Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif and Maulana Fazlur Rehman to partake in the January 8 general elections. Those who are taking part in elections are actually helping Musharraf in his unlawful actions and they would never be forgiven by the people of this country.

Democratic forces should only resist the dictatorial rule not assist such elements, he added.

Lahore High Court Bar Association President Sardar Asmatullah on the occasion said legal fraternity urged political parties to reconsider their decision of participating in the polls.

APP adds: Mehmood Khan Achkzai said elections should be held after the restoration of deposed judges.

He paid rich tributes to deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry for his courage.

Mr Achakzai said that restoration of the deposed judges was the need of the hour adding real democracy would not flourish till judiciary attains independence.