LARKANA, Dec 29: Sindh People’s Party Parliamentarians president Nisar Ahmad Khuhro has criticized the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal for voting for the 17th amendment to the Constitution.

Talking to journalists here on Monday night, he claimed that by supporting the amendment, the MMA had become a part of the government.

He said the MMA had pushed the country towards what he called a unitary form of government. He said it had not only betrayed its voters but also deceived the Alliance for Restoration of Democracy.

Commenting on the MMA stand, Mr Khuhro said it had been instrumental in turning the dream of Gen Ziaul Haq into reality who advocated a permanent role of army in politics.

Responding to a question, the leader of the opposition in the Sindh Assembly said when Gen Pervez Musharraf was claiming majority in the assembly, why did he not adopt the constitutional way.

He termed the taking of vote of confidence by a show of hands unconstitutional and said the vote of confidence was essential for a prime minister and not a president.

He said a president could only be elected by parliament but the MMA condoned illegal actions of Gen Musharraf.

The PPP leader said it was against the principles of democracy.

Answering another question, Mr Khuhro said the ARD would now hold protest rallies throughout the country.