DERA GHAZI KHAN, Sept 27: Farooq Ahmad Khan Leghari, the head of his own faction of the Pakistan Muslim League, said on Monday that Ziaul Haq was a usurper who toppled a legitimate government whereas Gen Pervez Musharraf had toppled a 'fascist government' and all the political parties applauded this.

He was talking to journalists at the circuit house on the eve of the engagement of Baitul Maal Committee district chairman Dr Capt Saleem Ahmad's daughter. He said Pakistan was going through transition and whenever there was a military rule in the country it was always difficult for democracy to return to normalcy.

However, he said, President Musharraf had fulfilled his promise by holding elections and restoring the constitution within three years of his rule. "Nevertheless, restoration of true democracy in the country will take further time."

He said the invasion of the US in Afghanistan and Iraq had fanned international terrorism and created a new situation in the Muslim countries. "Terrorism is spreading like fire and the whole world is vulnerable to it."

He said the government and the opposition had unanimously made amendments to the constitution. He also said Shaukat Aziz was a non-political person who would work for better economic conditions and good governance in the country.

Answering a question about Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, who is sentenced by the NAB, he said he did not want to comment on the court decision but politicians helped people get jobs, which was not the case of corruption.

He said the merger of the Millat Party and the Muslim League was decided on the assurance of Chaudhry Shujaat Husain that the latter would work on a 20-point agenda of the former. To ensure peace in Waziristan, honouring the Shakai Pact that was initiated by Millat Party leader Malik Fareedullah Khan was imperative.