ATTOCK, April 19: MMA leader and JUI-F Amir Maulana Fazlur Rehman has ruled out any compromise on the issue of Legal Framework Order (LFO).

Speaking at a conference at Jamia Uloom-i-Sharia, the MMA leader termed Gen Pervez Musharraf as ‘most unpopular’ military ruler in the country’s history.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman said the MMA wanted direct talks with Gen Pervez Musharraf on the LFO and office of the president.

He was surprised to note the PML-Q’s support for the LFO and claimed that the PML-Q leadership had entered into an agreement with the MMA after October 10 polls on the issue of a sovereign Parliament.

Later, talking to reporters, he said a serving general could not be elected as a president.

“Pakistan is a federation and to keep the country intact, holding of presidential elections in accordance with the Constitution is a must.”

He said the MMA was opposing the idea of ‘president in military uniform’ since long. He dismissed the government stance that the opposition contested the general elections under the LFO. The opposition parties have rejected LFO before October 10 polls and still reject it, he added.

He ruled out acceptance of any controversial clause of the LFO and compromise on the basic issues. Only Parliament can amend the Constitution, he added.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman said the MMA wanted direct talks with the military ruler as representatives of the army had already been negotiating with the party as part of the PML-Q team.

He reiterated that Gen Pervez Musharraf must initiate direct talks with the opposition to end the prevailing deadlock.

“We are of the firm opinion that armed forces should concentrate on national defence and leave political matters as domain of the political parties.”—PPI