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KARACHI, Nov 13: Workers of two nationalist parties were arrested while protesting against imposition of emergency rule in the country on Tuesday.
Nine workers of the Awami National Party were arrested during a protest demonstration at Banaras Chowk. It was the nationalist party’s first political show in the city since the imposition of emergency rule by General Pervez Musharraf on Nov 3.
Though police action was not as harsh as the one taken against other opposition parties, ANP leadership condemned the Sindh administration for sabotaging a peaceful protest. “Nevertheless, such actions will not stop us from our agitation,” said Shahi Syed, the Sindh ANP chief.
“We are raising voice for the restoration of the suspended judges, the revival of the constitution and the removal of curbs on the media,” he said.
Police confirmed the arrest of ANP activists under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code. They said cases had been registered against the workers for violating Section 144, which had been imposed for a month. “The cases are registered in Peerabad police station,” said Naveed Khawaja, SP Site Town.
Protesting against emergency rule outside the Karachi Press Club, three activists of the Sindh Awami Tehrik were arrested. “They have been moved to Frere police station where a case under Section 188 of the PPC, which refers to disobedience to an order promulgated by a public servant, will be registered against them,” said Asif Ejaz, SP Clifton Town.
MQM-H
Mohajir Qaumi Movement (Haqiqi) Chairman Afaq Ahmed, meanwhile, demanded reinstatement of deposed judges and establishment of an independent election commission before general elections.
“Announcement of general elections by President Musharraf is appreciable but reinstatement of suspended judges, formation of an independent election commission and removal of the ban on the media are the major issues to be resolved first,” Mr Ahmed’s lawyer quoted him as saying.
He said Musharraf was putting the country’s sovereignty at stake only to cling on to power by any means. “Instead of making any appeal to the government, I urge all political parties to unite against the dictator and his dictatorial acts,” he added.
