KARACHI, Nov 6: The combined opposition would soon launch a nationwide movement against Gen Pervez Musharraf's decision to retain the army chief's post along with the presidency.

This was stated by the Alliance for Restoration of Democracy chairman and parliamentary leader of the Pakistan People's Party Parliamentarians, Makhdoom Amin Fahim, on Saturday, while talking to newsmen at the residence of Khan Amanullah Khan, president of his faction of the Pakistan Muslim League.

Replying to a question, he said that despite having divergent national agendas, the ARD and the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal had similar views on the president's uniform issue.

He said that the MMA had supported the ruling party on 17th amendment, but they were also now saying that Gen Musharraf had backed out from his commitment on the uniform.

The ARD chief said that after Eidul Fitr final talks with the MMA would be held for working out modalities in this regard.

He reiterated the ARD's resolve to continue the struggle for undiluted democratic dispensation, and said that soon a countrywide movement would be launched.

He reaffirmed faith in the 1973 Constitution, and said the Legal Framework Order had tarnished its image, as it was a rude deviation.

Replying to a question, he said that the outcome of the American elections would not have any bearing on the opposition's quest for democracy.

Meanwhile, the executive committee of the Sindh PPP has decided to take out a rally from Hyderabad to Karachi to protest against the prolonged detention of Asif Ali Zardari.

The meeting, chaired by Syed Qaim Ali Shah, fixed Dec 7 for the rally that would terminate at Quaid-i-Azam's mazar. The PPP has also planned meetings and rallies in various divisions of the province.

It was also decided to hold a meeting in Larkana on Nov 30 to celebrate the party's founding day. The PPP would focus on its achievements and the sufferings of the people under the military rule.