KARACHI, Feb 23: Senior leaders of the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) on Wednesday criticized the government for citing 'artificial increase' in the indexes of local stock exchange that indicated economic progress , saying that people were compelled to commit suicide due to price-hike.
Speaking at a gathering at Fatima Jinnah Colony to condemn price-hike, promotion of obscenity and vulgarity, deletion of religion column from passport and proposed changes in the blasphemy law, the MMA leaders alleged that the rulers were trying to secularize Pakistan.
MNA Mohammad Hussain Mahenti said that the government had failed to provide basic amenities to common man whereas price-hike had become unbearable for the poor and middle classes.
He bitterly criticized the government for its national and foreign policies and warned it that Pakistan had been achieved in the name of Islam and the government would not be allowed to transform it into a secular state.
"Changes in education curricula, exclusion of Allama Iqbal's verses in textbooks and promotion of obscenity and vulgarity through media is part of a conspiracy aimed at leading the country towards secularism," he charged, adding that religious parties of the country would never allow the government to implement the agenda.
Accusing Britain of promoting Qadiani belief, he claimed that London helped Qadianis in acquiring key posts in the military and civilian institutions in Pakistan. In return, he alleged, these Qadianis were hatching conspiracies against the country.
Mr Mahenti further charged that the United States had given US$500 million to Aga Khan University Examination Board (AKUEB) which had agreed to change the Islamic curricula to that of western educational system.
He said that the MMA was keenly observing the situation and would create awareness in masses about the ongoing situation. If necessary, it would give a call for a march towards Islamabad, he said.
MMA Deputy Parliamentary leader in the Sindh Assembly Nasarullah Shaji said that people were ready to offer every sacrifice to ensure that the blasphemy law was not amended or abolished.
He alleged that majority of ministers and military officials was involved in corruption and living luxurious lives on hard-earned money of people of Pakistan. MMA city chief Hafiz Mohammad Taqi said Islam was the actual identity of Pakistan and all efforts to undermine its identity would be resisted.
Among others who spoke at the gathering were Sindh JUI leader Maulana Salimullah Khan, Maulana Mian Mohammad Hamadi, Qazi Ahmed Noorani and Amir Ghaffari. Later, a resolution adopted by the leaders and audience urged the government to refrain from taking any anti-Islam measures on the directives from abroad. -PPI