HYDERABAD, May 7: The unprecedented reception accorded to the Chief Justice, Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry, in Lahore is a referendum against the rulers, therefore, the government should accept its defeat and resign forthwith, says Dr Sahibzada Abul Khiar Muhammad Zubair.

A central leader of the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) and senior vice-president of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan (JUP), Dr Abul Khiar said in a statement issued here on Monday that people had given their verdict against the government.

The rulers, he said, were thinking of imposing emergency because of the anti-government wave sweeping the country.

Referring to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League’s decision of holding a demonstration in Islamabad on May 12, he said this appeared to be a government policy to politicise the chief justice issue.

At the same time, he added, the government was doing everything to sabotage opponent’s rallies.

It is better for the government to accept its failure and resign, said Dr Abul Khair, adding a national government of all patriotic parties should be formed for holding impartial general elections.