ISLAMABAD, Dec 7: Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal’s Senator Prof Khurshid Ahmed on Friday expressed concern over what he called increasing interference by foreign powers in the internal affairs of the country.

He said in a statement: “The United States has been trying to influence decision-making, elections and the choice of leadership.

“Formerly it was through covert means and now it is being done boldly and openly as if Pakistan is their colony”.

He said that European countries had also jumped into the fray and sovereignty and independence of the country were being eroded.

The MMA leader criticised the British High Commissioner for saying that instead of demanding restoration of deposed judges political parties should look forward to an independent judiciary.

“Can there be an independent judiciary in the future if the sword of dismissal by the executive hangs over the heads of the judges. Will he advocate a similar judicial system for the United Kingdom?” he asked.

He said that the imposition of emergency and the Provisional Constitution Order were primarily an attack on the judiciary and resulted in the dismissal of 60 per cent of the judges.

He said: “Without the revocation of the impugned orders and restoration of the Constitution and the higher judiciary there is no hope for democracy and free and fair elections as all these were inextricably linked.”

Prof Khurshid condemned what he termed an inspired hue and cry in the United States and European media about the safety of Pakistan’s nuclear assets.

He called upon the people to rise as an honourable nation to protect their freedom and sovereignty and get rid of elements who were playing in the hands of foreign powers.