Parties criticise Musharraf move

By Our Special Correspondent

ISLAMABAD, JUNE 20. Political parties in Pakistan condemned the decision of Gen. Pervez Musharraf to declare himself President, saying that the President House in `khaki colours' was deplorable.

They denounced it as unconstitutional. The former Prime Minister, Ms. Benazir Bhutto, when asked through her spokesman, Mr. Farhatullah Babar, has been quoted as saying that ``this act brings back to me memories of three military dictators but I am not surprised as this act has taken place now, to secure protocol for the Indian visit''. Ms. Bhutto after being informed immediately telephoned the ARD chief, Mr. Nawabzada Nasirullah Khan.

Reacting to the assumption of the office of the President by Gen. Musharraf, the Central Information Secretary of the Pakistan Tehrik Insaf said the decision was not totally unexpected and it appeared that the timing was influenced by the Chief Executive's planned visit to India.

``The PTI is convinced that only the people can change the political and economic landscape of the country and they cannot be expected to remain idle bystanders for long. Therefore, the PTI reiterates its demand for an end to all restrictions on political activities so that the people can make choices about their leadership''.

The Pakistan Muslim League's (Nawaz), Mr. Zafar Ali Shah, said this decision was not acceptable to them. The Awami National Party leader, Mr. Zahid Khan, termed the move as undemocratic and unconstitutional. He said his party did not accept military rulers as genuine President.

Mr. Qazi Hussain Ahmed of the Jammat-e-Islami said that "the manner adopted in removing President Rafiq Tarar amounts to disrespect to the institution of President," he said. Mr. Qazi said the move lacked legal and constitutional backing.

Mr. Ihsan Iqbal, Chief Coordinator, PML, said that "through an another unconstitutional coup, the Chief Executive has now hijacked the Office of President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which is a far more serious crime than hijacking of an airplane".

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Section  : International
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