DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Jan 20: Khawaja Muhammad Zahid, Secretary Finance, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (F) has said that President Musharaf’s speech was nothing but a dictation given by George W. Bush.

He said the sectarianism and regionalism were the products of Gen Zia-ul-Haq’s long rule aimed only at disintegrating the masses and lingering his regime.

In a statement issued here on Saturday, the JUI leader condemned the ban imposed on religious parties and Jihadi groups, saying this action was taken only to please the West, especially the US government.

He said the government had left the ethnic and regional groups untouched who were the root cause of the mess. Only those were targeted who were fighting for the cause of Islam and Kashmir. This clearly indicated that Pakistan govt was fulfilling the US agenda.

Khawaja Zahid said that his party would welcome the restoration of the joint electorate system if the minorities accepted it with an open heart. He demanded the withdrawal of condition of graduation for taking part in the forthcoming general elections.

He said imposing such a condition in a country where literacy rate was not more than 24 per cent, appeared a joke with the masses.

This prerequisite was meant to keep out of the race the seasoned politicians having a vast experience of legislation.