LARKANA, Nov 20: Criticizing opposition parties, the chief of the MQM, Altaf Hussain, said they are following double standard policies.

In his telephonic address from London to a gathering of the Khidmat-i-Khalq Committee on Wednesday, he said that on the one hand they are thumping benches in the assemblies, but, on the other, they are enjoying all perks and privileges.

He said the opposition parties were enjoying all privileges in NWFP and Balochistan provinces where they had formed their governments.

He said that if they were really sincere with the nation, then they should resign from these governments.

He alleged that the opposition members were constantly raising slogans of “Go! Musharraf, go!” in the assemblies, but contrary to it they are reaping maximum benefits from the district governments through their Nazims.

He alleged that though Pakistan had obtained liberation in 1947 but still feudal lords and the rich were ruling in all the four provinces of the country, whereas the poor and lower middle classes were still being ignored.

He alleged that many politicians had been cabinet members during the martial law era and now were criticizing this government.

Earlier, Shaikh Liaquat, Naeem Ishtiaque and Shabbir Qaimkhani also spoke on the occasion.

PRISONER FLEES: An under-trial prisoner, Irshad Kori, escaped from the custody of the investigation police while being brought to the judicial magistrate on Wednesday for remand.

The under-trial prisoner escaped when the vehicle taking him from Naudero to the court of the judicial magistrate in Larkana slowed down because of a speed breaker near the Kehar village.

The police, led by the ASI, investigation, Abdul Wahab Bhatti, chased the fleeing under-trial prisoner but in vain.

The DPO, investigation, immediately suspended the ASI and ordered an inquiry into the incident. The under-trial prisoner was undergoing investigation in a rape case.