August 06, 2008	Wednesday	Sha’aban 3, 1429

QUETTA, Aug 5: The All Parties Democratic Movement warned the coalition government on Tuesday not to compromise with the establishment on the issues of constitutional rule, genuine democracy, maximum autonomy for the provinces and reinstatement of the deposed judges.

Addressing a seminar organised by the APDM’s Balochistan chapter to mobilise public opinion for a nationwide strike on Sept 1, leaders of the alliance said that the National Reconciliation Ordinance was a major obstacle to restoration of the Nov 3, 2007, judiciary.

The seminar, presided over by APDM convener Mahmood Khan Achakzai, was addressed by National Party chief Dr Hayee Baloch, acting president of the Balochistan National Party (Mengal) Sajid Tareen, Jamaat-i-Islami’s provincial amir Maulana Abdul Haq Hashimi, Noorullah Watanyar of the Jamhoori Watan Party, Dost Agha of Tehrik-i-Insaaf, Balochistan Bar Association president Amanullah Baloch, Anjuman-i-Tajran president Abdur Rahim and Pakistan Medical Association (Quetta) president Dr Mazhar Khan.

Mr Achakzai said the APDM wanted parliament to complete its five-year term to strengthen democracy, but the coalition leaders must fulfil the commitment they had made at the multi-party conference in London, including reinstatement of the deposed judges.

He said the country was facing a crisis and the coalition government’s failure to realise the gravity of the situation could pose a serious threat to the social order.

He said that at the London meeting democratic forces had promised to resolve the crisis confronted by the nation but the ruling coalition had failed to restore the supremacy of parliament.

Mr Achakzai said the APDM would continue to struggle for constitutional rule and genuine democracy.

Dr Hayee said the present parliament was weaker than the previous one and the real power still rested with the establishment, with coalition government was playing in its hands.

He said that although people had given a clear mandate to democratic forces in the Feb elections, there was no change in policies. “The military operation is continuing in Balochistan, political activists have not been released and missing people have not been traced.”

He said the provinces should have control over their resources.

Sajid Tareen accused the government of using state machinery against the people of Balochistan and said that political movements could not be suppressed by operations.