LAHORE, March 19: Jamaat-i-Islami’s Punajb amir Hafiz Muhammad Idrees suspects involvement of government agencies in the current wave of terrorism in the country.

Speaking at a press conference here on Tuesday, he said the terror acts might be aimed at delaying the general elections and validating referendum for the presidentship of Gen Musharraf.

He, however, did not rule out the possibility of Indian hand behind the recent wave of terrorism to divert the attention of the world from anti-Muslim riots.

Saying the government has failed in protecting the life and property of the masses, Hafiz Idrees regretted that the authorities were rubbing salts to the people’s wounds by claiming success in all sectors, including law and order.

Demanding resignation of Gen Musharraf, he said the army had seen many failures as reputation of the institution had been put at stake.

Urging the government to allow constructive and positive activities, he argued that these were the only solution to terrorism which, he said, nurtured in the restrictions and bans.

Claiming that March 23 public meeting of the Jamaat at Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi, would be a big show, the Hafiz warned the government not to create obstacles in this regard as it did not mean for giving a protest call.

He said if the government did not allow them to hold the meeting they would organize it on the road which many create problems for the administration.

He said the local (Rawalpindi) administration had been informed of the event and that there would be no need for police protection.

Hafiz Idrees said lists of potential candidates for October polls had been prepared. However, final decision would be taken by the central and provincial parliamentary boards.

He told a questioner that party would withdraw any candidate if the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal, an alliance of six religio-political parties, directed so.