He threatened that a relentless battle would be fought against those elements who tried to harm the unity and stability of Pakistan or tried to undermine the Islamic identity of the country.

He was speaking at the Sindh workers training convention held at Jamia Mehmoodia, Latifabad, here on Wednesday under the aegis of the local chapter of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan.

Mr Noorani said that his party in the past had foiled conspiracies against Islam and Pakistan and it would continue to perform this role in future also.

He said that as the Election Commission had announced the success of President Gen Pervez Musharraf in the referendum, he should immediately enforce Nizam-i-Mustafa (PBUH) without delay according to his promise with the Ulema and Mashaikh.

The JUP chief announced that his party would participate in the ensuing general elections to strive for enforcement of Nizam-i-Mustafa (PBUH) and protection of the 1973 Constitution.

Others who addressed the convention included Sahebzada Dr Abul Khair Mohammad Zubair, Hafiz Abdul Khaliq and Prof Shah Fareedul Haq.

STPP: The chairman, the Sindh Taraqqi Passand Party (STPP), Dr. Qadir Magsi said that the people of Sindh had rejected all the projects by refusing to take part in the presidential referendum, and added, “I salute them for taking a wise decision”.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, he said that by refusing to come out of their homes on the day of the referendum, the people of Sindh had also rejected the Kalabagh dam, the greater Thal canal, and other dictatorial decisions.

He said that if the rulers have even an iota of respect for the people’s opinion then they should abandon the Kalabagh dam, greater Thal canal, Thal dam, and Sanjwal dam projects forever, hold elections, and hand over power to the elected representatives of the people.

He claimed that 98 per cent population of Sindh had boycotted the referendum and thereby expressed no confidence in Gen Pervez Musharraf.

WELFARE FUNDS: Sindh minister for finance, planning and development Dr Hafeez Shaikh, has announced a donation of Rs500,000 for the establishment of a fund for the welfare of the artistes of Sindh.

He was speaking as chief guest at the Latif Award distribution function at Bhitshah on Tuesday night.

Those who were given this year’s Latif Award included vocalist Shafi Mohammad Juman, instrumentalist Allah Bachayo and the Wayee singer of Bhitai, Faqir Mohammad Jurial.

Prof Amina Khamisani was given the award for translating the poetry of Bhitai into English.