HUB, April 9: The Balochistan National Movement (BNM) has rejected the decision of holding referendum to elect Gen Pervez Musharraf President for five years and termed it unjust and unconstitutional.

Talking to newsmen here on Tuesday, BNM Chief Dr Abdul Hai Baloch said there was no room for a “retired general” to retain the post of President through his “self-created” means after violating the rules and the Constitution.

He called upon Gen Musharraf to adopt a constitutional way to become the President of the country.

Dr Baloch criticized the devolution of power plan and termed it a conspiracy against the provincial autonomy, saying that owing to the direct connection between the district governments and Islamabad, the provinces would remain powerless.

He expressed his dissatisfaction with the Election Commission, and demanded an independent and powerful election commission to hold the forthcoming general election.

RALLY STAGED: In order to express solidarity with the military regime, its policies and the proposed referendum, a rally was held here on Tuesday.

Led by district Nazim Jam Kamal Khan, the rally was jointly organized by the Lasbela District Council and the Pakistan Muslim League (Q), Lasbela chapter.

Holding flags of the PML and placards and banners, the referendum and the devolutions of power plan, the participants of the rally marched on the Highway and gathered at Mondra Chowk.

The Nazim observed that in order to make the devolution of power plan successful, it was necessary “for us to vote for President Musharraf in the proposed referendum.”