KARACHI, Dec 13: Secretary General of Jamat-i-Islami Syed Munawar Hasan said on Monday that unless the Muttahida Qaumi Movement get its state minister on religious affairs removed and seek an apology on his remarks against Allama Iqbal, Quaid-i-Azam, two-nation theory and Ulema, the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal would not attend its all-parties conference.

Talking to newsmen at the inauguration of the renovated media office of the JI at Idara Noor-i-Haq Karachi, he said the two-nation theory would remain alive forever as both Hindus and Muslims have separate identities, beliefs, cultures and system of living.

Criticizing those urging Pakistan to adopt Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) with India, he said CBMs, like withdrawal of troops from held Kashmir, release of Kashmiri leaders and freedom fighters, cancellation of laws against them, restoration of civil and political activities and allowing free independent media and HR organizations be adopted by India.

Commenting on MMA's campaign against president's uniform, he said if president Musharraf refuses to doff uniform by Dec 31, he would not be considered as constitutional and legal president and all political parties would launch a joint struggle against him.

JI leader said Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has disappointed even his well-wishers as his policies have added to people's miseries, poverty, unemployment and price-hike. "Shaukat Aziz is not aware of issues of masses as he is a banker, not an economist, who doesn't know issues of even his constituency", he added.

To a query, he said that the MMA was against all policies of President Pervez Musharraf and it would not let anybody to declare veiled women as symbol of backwardness and criticism on religious issues. -PPI