KARACHI, May 11: Jamat-i-Islami chief Qazi Hussain Ahmed on Saturday linked bomb blast in Karachi with old Indian designs to harm Pakistan.

Condemning the incident, he termed it “a well-conceived conspiracy to defame Pakistan in the eyes of international community to keep foreign investors away from investing in this country”.

Speaking at a public gathering in Karachi, he criticised the working of intelligence agencies which according to him “is dissatisfactory” . He said their inefficiency was only because of their misuse by concerned quarters, rather than busting terrorists network.

He deplored government campaign against “Jehadis” and alleged that those sincere with the country were being arrested while no action was being taken against terrorists. He demanded release of religious activists. He was critical of operation against religious extremists in tribal areas where a large number of them have been apprehended.

Qazi Hussain Ahmed also criticised role of Organisation of Islamic Conference for turning a blind eye to atrocities meted on Muslims across the world, including Palestine, Kashmir, Afghanistan. “OIC has lost weight and mere holding of meetings is only a wastage of time,” he maintained. According to him, for the first time, religious parties will contest next elections from the platform of Muttahida Majlis-e-Aml. He appealed to the people to strengthen MMA in order to bring about a change in the country.

He opposed slogan of the present government “Pakistan comes first” and contended that Pakistan was created in the name of Islam.

JI chief demanded that Karachi Electric Supply Corporation and police department be given under control of the city government to improve their efficiency.

He lauded the working of Karachi city government, saying in spite of funds shortage, its members were working hard to solve problems of masses.

He called for setting up an independent election commission and inducting interim government to hold free and transparent elections. He claimed the presidential referendum was “unconstitutional”.

Naib Amir JI Prof. Ghafoor Ahmed, addressing the gathering, expressed concern over unabated killing of doctors and condemned the government failure to arrest the killers.

JI Sindh Chief Asadullah Bhutto spoke.—PPI