RAWALPINDI, March 16: The Jamaat-i-Islami secretary-general, Syed Munawar Hassan, has called upon all the political parties to shun their differences and launch a joint struggle for the restoration of democracy.

Speaking at Meet the Press programme here on Saturday, the JI leader alleged that the military government was not sincere in holding fair and free elections. “It is uncertain whether or not the elections will be held as per schedule,” he added.

Mr Hassan said the electoral reforms and General Musharraf’s intention to hold referendum were in fact part of the government’s pre-poll rigging plan. “The chief election commissioner is totally a controversial person,” he said adding the CEC should be appointed in consultation with political parties.

He, however, warned the government not to repeat the mistakes of the past army governments, hold fair elections and go back to barracks.—Our Staff Reporter