KARACHI, Sept 7: Leader of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) and Naib Amir, Jamaat-i-Islami Prof Ghafoor Ahmed Ahmed on Tuesday warned the government to halt raids on madressahs and arrests of ulema , while saying that the parliament should be taken into confidence before making decisions on issues of national importance.

He was speaking to a large number of women protesters, who had staged a protest demo near the Mazar-i-Quaid along with their children against raids on religious seminaries, arrests of ulema and vengeful activities against religious scholars.

A large number of women, carrying banners and placards chanted slogans against the government policy for madressahs and ulema. Prof Ghafoor said the presence of a large number of women and children protesting on the streets proved that they condemned government acts and were ready to resist its action, made on the USA's directives against ulema.

He maintained that the people of Pakistan respected ulema and were willing to protect their sanctity. He asked the government to stop harassing, detaining and killing of religious people.

The Amir, JI Karachi, Dr Merajul Huda Siddiqui, said that the government of Pakistan was indulged in protecting the interests of the US in the country and abroad, and the campaign against religious seminaries was part of the same strategy. - PPI