KARACHI, Sept 20: Rehbar of Tehrik-i-Isteqlal and former Air Chief, Asghar Khan on Wednesday declared that military had no political role and claimed that Article 58 (2-B) was the major impediment in the evolution of a democratic culture in the country.

Speaking at a news conference at Karachi Press Club, Asghar Khan who had played a key role in the PNA movement, called for scrapping al amendments to the constitution that were introduced by General Ziaul Haq

He said that the political leaders, who were out of the country, should return and play their role and the Supreme Court should review cases against them and if they are not guilty, they should be treated accordingly.

He slammed the regime for its ongoing operation n Balochistan and said that unlike Turkey where the military had saved the country from total fragmentation, in Pakistan it was responsible for it.

He alleged that right from Field Marshall Ayub Khan down to the present people have been denied their rights. He said when Musharraf took over and announced his seven points, many people had thought he would deliver because by then politicians had been discredited and failed to address people’s problems. But later he also got bogged down in problems and resorted to military operations against the people of Pakistan, which was very dangerous.

He demanded complete provincial autonomy to the provinces with only defence, foreign affairs, currency and communications retained by the federal government. He said the government measures were contrary to its claims about democratic dispensation and devolution and said that when all power is vested in one person, there cannot be devolution or democracy.

He emphasized that struggle for democracy would be long and we must learn from our past mistakes and should not become second fiddle to opportunists and not seek military’s assistance to come in into power. He believed that there was great influence of the US in Pakistan’s internal affairs and establishment.