SUKKUR, June 27: Former speaker of National Assembly Illahi Bux Soomro has said that there is no other way to extricate the country from the present political crisis but to restore deposed judges and implement Bhurban declaration.

Speaking at meet the press programme of Sukkur Press Club, he said that the country was passing through a difficult phase as it was facing not only internal crisis but also external threats to its security.

Referring to the volatile situation of Fata, Waziristan and Balochistan, he said the army had been pitted against their own countrymen. He said that they must take their hands off Afghanistan because it was against geo-political interest of the country.

Mr Soomro said that interference of the army in political affairs since 1950s had tarnished image of the country on international level.

He criticized the Musharraf government for ill-conceived handling of Lal Masjid issue and said that it had resulted in massive loss of lives. Similarly, he deplored the killing of Baloch leader Nawab Akbar Bugti in an army operation and termed it a national tragedy.

Answering a question, Mr Soomro said that the country could not make headway without respecting its judiciary and hailed Pakistan Muslim League-N leader Nawaz Sharif for his unflinching support for the deposed judges. He praised Mr Sharif also for taking a strong stand for the removal of President Musharraf.

Mr Soomro urged the federal government to immediately hold dialogue with the people of tribal areas, the NWFP and Balochistan and called for an end to army operations in the two provinces and Fata as early as possible.

On a question he agreed that the PPP felt insecure in case deposed chief justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry was restored and PCO judges were sent home.