QUETTA, June 13: All Parties Democratic Movement convener Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Balochistan National Party chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal have said that the ouster of President Pervez Musharraf is “essential for saving the country”.

They said the issue was linked to the success of the PPP-led federal.

Talking to journalists at a dinner hosted by Mr Achakzai in honour of Mr Mengal on Thursday night, the two leaders said no government could function smoothly under Musharraf.

The BNP chief blamed Gen (retd) Musharraf and his supporters for the military operation in Balochistan.

He said that people who had been elected to legislatives in the past were forced to go to the mountains and take up arms.

Mr Achakzai said the oppressed nations no longer wished to lead a life of slavery.

“If someone wants to talk to us he should first give us our rights,” he added.