February 04, 2008	Monday	Muharram 25, 1429

FAISALABAD, Feb 3: All Pakistan Democratic Movement (APDM) leaders urged masses on Sunday to take to the street for rule of law, supremacy of the judiciary and “true” democracy in Pakistan as the country was rapidly heading towards a revolution.

APDM leaders addressed a huge gathering outside Dhobi Ghat Park amid tight security arrangements.

Jamat-i-Islami President Qazi Hussain Ahmed said Caretaker Information Minister Nisar Memon had warned that masses would face a Nov-3 like situation if they had not mended their ways. Mr Ahmed said that Memon and Chief of Army Staff Gen Ishfaq Kiyyani should clarify the statement whether it was a threat to impose another martial law on the country.

The JI amir also criticised the Pakistan People’s Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, saying that both parties had refused to lead people towards prosperity. But the APDM was struggling for the supremacy of the judiciary, restoration of judges, rule of law and rights for public, he said.

He urged people to come on roads and join hands with the APDM for a “new Pakistan”.

Tehrik-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan said under-privileged segments were being deprived of their basic rights and only influential were ruling the country using “might is right”. He said until the restoration of deposed judges, stability would not be maintained in the country.

He said rulers were plundering the resources of Balochistan and Sindh. Natural gas worth Rs200 to 250 billion was being explored from Balochistan annually, however, development budget for the province was only Rs13 billion, which was pathetic.

The PTI chief asked the participants to decide whether they wanted devastation or a prosper Pakistan, saying that prosperity came through an independent judiciary.

He said due to powerless judiciary, dacoits and plunderers contested elections to save their skins from punishments and hide and seek with Asif Ali Zardari was conspicuous example of this. He said once slain PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto had come into power, Zardari was released from jail and after ousted of the Bhutto, her husband was again behind the bars.

Mahmood Achakzai said it was time for concerted and fair efforts to save the country from tragedy and anarchy. He said elections would not resolve the problems of masses and the country. Its results would create numerous problems like civil war and bloody revolution.

He claimed the US, Europe and even Islamic countries didn’t want to see democracy and powerful judiciary in Pakistan, but “we will do it by any means”. Mr Achakzai said his province was providing natural gas to the entire country, but his own village and even the house of Abdul Hayyi Baloch was not enjoying this facility.