KARACHI, Oct 12: The Sindh High Court Bar Association on Tuesday strongly condemned what it called attempts to continue "unconstitutional usurpation of power" and to keep the organs of state under the control of a person in uniform.

The bar termed the Legal Framework Order (LFO) and the 17th amendment to the Constitution "unconstitutional dictates of a usurper". It stated that these changes to the Constitution had been made through acts of "cheating and fraud".

The association said that it was pledged to the nation through live telecast and broadcast that the president would shed his army uniform before Dec 31, 2004. But the promise was of the kind earlier made by persons occupying such positions, it added, saying: "The modality used this time is more condemnable."

The association held that uncompromised and undiluted democracy was the only suitable system to govern the country. In another resolution, the SHCBA, expressing its serious concern over the growing sense of insecurity among the public, said that the government had completely failed in controlling the law and order situation, resulting in the loss of valuable lives of innocent citizens.

The general body of the association strongly condemned the attacks on ulema, jeopardizing of the sanctity and respect of mosques and imambargahs and killing of innocent people.

LABOUR PARTY DEMO: The Pakistan Labour Party held a protest demonstration against the continuous intervention of military in the democratic process at the Press Club, on Tuesday.

The participants were holding placards and banners inscribed with slogans in favour of democracy and against military rule. According to a PLP press release, speaking to the protesters, the central chairman of the party, Nisar shah advocate, said: "We are observing this day as black day because five years back on this day General Musharraf had over thrown the democratic government of Nawaz Sharif." -PPI