HYDERABAD, June 10: Tehrik-i-Istaqlal (TI) president Rehmat Khan Wardag has said if the government abandoned the stand on Kashmir, it will have a telling affect on the freedom struggle.

Speaking at a news conference at the Kotri Press Club on Sunday, Mr Wardag, however, endorsed defence policies of the government.

About the general elections, he said the condition of graduate to contest elections was unreasonable as seasoned politicians would not be eligible to contest the elections and added that these were the educated people who had looted the wealth of the country.

He claimed that the demand of politicians that the general elections should be held under the supervision of an interim government would go in favour of Gen Pervez Musharraf as, according to him, he would not have to face any allegations and the elections would be held in transparent manner.

Answering a question, Mr Wardag said the country could be strengthened economically through agricultural and industrial reforms. He said it was necessary to provide protection to investors to encourage industrialization.

He pointed out that 4,500 industrial units were lying closed in the country and urged the government to prepare feasibility reports of these units and hand them over to genuine industrialists to revive these sick units.

He said this would reduce unemployment in the country.

He said instead of thermal power houses, the government should concentrate on hydel power to provide cheap electricity to consumers.