Monday, Apr 15, 2002
Monday, Apr 15, 2002 |
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By B. Muralidhar Reddy
The press corps covering Gen. Musharraf's rally at Faisalabad town today left the venue in protest against the derogatory remarks made by the Punjab Governor, Khalid Maqbool, aimed at them. Reports said Mr. Maqbool, during his address prior to the President's, accused the press of not "properly covering" Gen. Musharraf's referendum drive, especially the inaugural rally at Lahore. The remarks provoked shouts of "shame, shame" and journalists immediately left the venue despite Gen. Musharraf's own attempts to woo them. Police reportedly also resorted to a lathicharge on the scribes. The journalists then gathered at the Press Club in Faisalabad and decided not to cover the President's campaign until and unless an apology was forthcoming. There have been a number of critical editorials expressing serious concern on the excesses being committed by Gen. Musharraf's supporters, ever since the President launched his campaign, in the name of fetching crowds for the rallies. An editorial in the newly launched paper, Daily Times, edited by noted journalist Najam Sethi said: "Gen. Pervez Musharraf travels the length and breadth of this country in the flush of political youth, presenting his clean and handsome visage and knocking down the ugly images of his political rivals, the picture in the basement is turning old and cracking at a hundred places.... ``Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider, who said a couple of days ago that the Opposition will have equal opportunity to present its viewpoint, has now gone back on his word. Talking to the press on April 12, the Minister said that there was a ban on political rallies and it will stay. He also said that he would go around and canvas support for Gen. Musharraf's election as President. Worse, he referred to Malaysia, saying that continuation of policies demands uninterrupted governance. If President Mohatir Mohammad can remain president for 20 years why can't Gen. Musharraf, he wanted to know. ``Not to be left behind, Lahore's eager beaver mayor, Mian Amir, has said that if the Alliance for Restoration of Democracy (ARD) does not seek permission for holding a rally at Minto Park, he will use force to prevent it from doing so. But no less than the Interior Minister has said that no one will be allowed to hold rallies at places where Gen. Musharraf has held or intends to hold a rally..."
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