KARACHI, May 10: Pakistan Muslim League (Functional) chief Pir Pagara said on Thursday that if the May 12 rally saw an outbreak of violence and bloodshed, the ruling establishment would lose no time in declaring martial law.

Speaking at a press conference at Kingri House, he said the political party that had in the past advised its supporters to sell off their TV sets and buy arms would be totally responsible for any untoward incident that might occur during the rallies on Saturday.

He added that in Pakistan momentous decisions were taken in drawing rooms and not in rallies.

Known for making enigmatic statements, he told inquisitive newsmen: “Why are you talking about elections? You should talk about martial law. To my mind, its promulgation is round the corner.

“The army is with Gen Musharraf. The general is supposed to lead while a judge is supposed to dispense justice,” he said cryptically.