ISLAMABAD, July 1: Information and Broadcasting Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has asked the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) to desist from politics of confrontation.

Talking to reporters at his office on Tuesday, the minister regretted MMA’s decision of a countrywide strike call against the disqualification of MNA Mufti Ibrar Sultan and termed

it “confrontation with the courts”.

“The government has nothing to do with the decision. If their case is strong they should file a petition against the decision of the election tribunal,” he said.

He said the decision would have a deep impact on the country’s political future and the courts would take action against all those who fall under the criteria, set by them.

He dispelled the impression that it was some kind of message.

“We have not filed a disqualification case against anyone. This is a decision by the election tribunal and it can affect the members of the National Assembly, the Senate and even the NWFP government.”

He said the decision to disqualify a candidate of the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal was given under law.

“The courts decide on arguments, legal points, and not on personal and party basis.”

Mr Ahmed said it was regrettable that the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal was terming the decision of the court as “political”.

He urged the MMA leaders to follow rules and regulations and resolve the matters through courts.

He said the government had no objection to a peaceful protest.—APP