SWABI, Jan 17: Jamaat-i-Islami leader and MMA candidate for the Senate from the NWFP Dr Murad has urged the army to stop meddling in the political affairs and concentrate on defending the geographical frontiers of the country.

Talking to Dawn here on Friday, Dr Murad, who is expected to be the first member of the Senate from the Swabi district, said that the army should leave the politicians to work for the replacement of “controlled democracy” and restore a real democratic culture in the country.

Dr Murad said that according to the Constitution, the army chief could not hold this highest position for more than three years, adding that the incumbent president had not only violated this law, but also unlawfully occupied the presidency.

The continuous interference by the army in the political affairs had derailed the democratic process, he said, adding that despite the restoration of democracy, it faced a grave threat.

He also urged the political leadership to play a constructive role and give the democratic culture a chance to flourish.