KARACHI, Dec 16: Federal Minister Mehmood Ali has held the then rulers from West Pakistan entirely responsible for the debacle of East Pakistan, who did not allow political system to work in the country for a long period.

Speaking at a round-table organised by the PML-N Sindh on Monday with reference to the fall of Dhaka in a local hotel, Mr Ali recalled that people of former East Pakistan had never aspired for separation from Pakistan.

The fault, he said, lied with those who ran the affairs of the country for a long period without any constitution, and after its adoption, ensured its non-implementation.

This situation led to the imposition of martial law in the country, which caused a sense of deprivation among the people, he added.

Mr Ali said politicians alone could not be held responsible for the tragedy, but the then head of the state too was responsible for the policies which split the country into two.

Imdad Hussain Chandio said whenever the army took over power, it created a sense of deprivation among the people, and if the remedy was not provided immediately the country and the nation had to suffer tragedies. Unfortunately, he said, once again an army ruler had linked democracy and all other institutions of the state with his personal power

Mamnoon Hussain said the suspension of the constitution disconnected links between the federating units, and resulted in creating a sense of alienation. He demanded that democracy and constitution be restored immediately

Saleem Zia called for institution of cases according to the recommendations of the Hamood-ur-rehman Commission.

Zain Ansari, Khwaja Tariq Nazeer, Nehal Hashmi, Syed Hafeezuddin, Nasiruddin Mehmood and others also spoke.