HYDERABAD, Dec 12: The Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal has criticized President Gen Pervez Musharraf for pressuring the government on the issue of the Legal Framework Order.

The criticizm was made by MMA secretary-general Maulana Fazlur Rehman while talking to journalists at the residence of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam leader Haji Gul Mohammad in Pathan Goth here on Friday.

He had come there to condole the death of the wife and mother of Mr Mohammad.

The Maulana sought an apology from the president for pressuring the government on the LFO issue and his failure to table the constitutional amendments package in parliament.

He said that the question of the president’s uniform had been decided but it would be finalized when the package would be presented in the house.

He said that the MMA did not issue any threat as protest was a part of democratic process but since the president was a soldier, he did not differentiate between a threat and protest.

The MMA leader accused the president of creating dissensions in negotiations over the issue and said that he had sprung a new question now that the MMA should give him vote of confidence.

Holding President Musharraf responsible for prolonging the negotiations for one year, Mr Fazal alleged that the president had harmed the supremacy of Constitution and parliament for perpetuating his rule.

He said that it was Constitution for which the conglomerate of religio-political parties had launched a struggle in an outside parliament.

About the proposed protest campaign of the MMA, he said that public meetings and rallies were held in the past and they would be arranged in future as well as for the supremacy of Constitution and parliament as the MMA leadership had not asked for any perks and privileges.

“The dispute about Constitution must end now. The recent statement of the president reveals that he wants to create a new issue in order to linger on the row,” he said.

“We have decided to vote for constitutional amendment package once it is presented before the house,” the Maulana remarked.

He said that the MMA considered the LFO an ordinance aimed at facilitating transfer of powers and it could not be made a part of Constitution without being endorsed by parliament.

He said that Allama Sajid Naqvi’s arrest could neither divide nor pressure the MMA and added that if there was any case against him, it should be produced in a court.

He said that the MMA had been in touch with the Alliance for Restoration of Democracy and had informed all the parliamentary parties about its dialogue with the government.

He, however, admitted in response to a question that the MMA had a difference of opinion over some points with the ARD.

He said that the MMA had heard the point of view of the government and advanced its arguments but it was surprising that the ARD had reconciled with the government on some points without negotiations.

About peace overtures by India and Pakistan, he said that peace initiatives must be taken but they should be in accordance with principles and aspirations of Kashmiri people.

About the ceasefire on the Line of Control, he asked, “Is army fighting there?”

Sindh JUI-F general secretary Dr Khalid Mehmood Soomro, Maulana Taj Mohammad Nahyoon and others were present on the occasion.

The Maulana also visited the residence of the late religious scholar Maulana Ghulam Mustafa Qasmi to express condolences with the bereaved family.