KARACHI, July 6: Deputy Chief of the Jamaat-i-Islami Prof Ghafoor Ahmad has said that the leaders who came to power in the name of Roti, Kapra aur Makaan have failed to address the price issue during the first 100 days of their rule as wheat flour, pulses, rice, sugar, milk and oil have reached beyond the access of common man.

The JI leader was speaking to the participants of a protest rally staged outside the Karachi Press Club on Sunday afternoon against soaring prices, unemployment and deteriorating law and order conditions in the country. Holding party flags, banners and placards inscribed with slogans against price hike, party activists and workers attended the rally in large numbers.

Prof Ghafoor Ahmad said those at the helm of affairs ignored difficulties being faced by common man as inflation rose to new heights during the last few months. He referred to 31 per cent increase in gas prices and said some vested interests were plundering the country.

He recalled that the February 18 elections rejected the policies of Musharraf regime, saying that had there been a self-respected man he would have resigned immediately. However, he said, the president after remaining silent for three months got activated just after he was assured of American support by US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Voucher during his visit to Islamabad.

The veteran leader said the US must remember that it failed to save the Shah of Iran three decades ago and would not be able to protect Pervez Musharraf now.

He said that the difficulties of people would come to an end only if God-fearing people ruled the country.

Muhammad Hussain Mehanti, JI Karachi chief, said life of the poor had become miserable as rulers were hand in glove with hoarders and flour mill owners. He said the government should come into action against hoarders and profiteers if it wanted to launch any operations. “If rulers still failed to wake up to the situation, the party would launch a movement against the government,” he warned. He demanded reduction in gas prices and deplored the city government for imposing tax in the name of cleanliness drive.

Hameedullah advocate also spoke.