Opposition united on LFO, says Qazi

Published September 6, 2003

QUETTA, Sept 5: There are no differences between the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal and the Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy on the Legal Framework Order as both the alliances are struggling for the Parliament’s supremacy as well as trying to put democracy on Constitutional track.

This was stated by Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal’s vice-president Qazi Hussain Ahmed while speaking at the Quetta Press Club on Friday.

Qazi Hussain Ahmed said that the MMA was holding negotiations with the government to settle the LFO issue amicably despite knowing that members of the government’s negotiating team were powerless so far as reaching an agreement was concerned.

Highlighting MMA’s flexibility, Qazi Hussain Ahmed asserted that despite the alliance’s desire to steer the country out of the current political imbroglio, it would not compromise on its principles, adding that LFO had no legality until it was endorsed by the Parliament with a two-third majority.

Cautioning against the packing of assemblies and opposing the imposition of martial law, The MMA leader said that the country would be faced with a worse political crisis if the LFO was not presented before the Parliament.

Referring to the issue of Kalabagh dam and problems in distribution of irrigation water, Qazi Hussain Ahmed said that consultations were necessary to achieve consensus in this regard.

Referring to controversies on water projects, Qazi Hussain Ahmed said that technical experts, representatives of political parties and legislators should participate in the consultations.

Criticizing the landing of 25 helicopters marking the beginning of the unusual activity at the Bannu airport, Qazi Hussain accused President Gen Pervez Musharraf of compromising the country’s sovereignty.

He also stressed the need for not politicizing the Kalabagh dam issue.

Referring to dispute in connection with water distribution, Qazi Hussain said that the issue should be tackled to the satisfaction of the people of the federating units, adding that technical experts were in a better position to guide the people.

Accusing President Musharraf of following wrong policies that in his view could push the country towards disorder, endangering its internal and external security.

Accusing the government of allowing officials of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation to arrest people anywhere in the country in the name of Al Qaeda or Taliban, adding that the landing of helicopter at Bannu airport proved that the US was in-charge of security affairs in Pakistan.

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