MMA to contact other political forces on uniform issue

The Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) has formed a committee to contact Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy (ARD) and other political parties for adopting a joint plan of action, pressing President Musharraf to doff his uniform.
In December last, the government and the MMA had signed an agreement under which the latter helped the government to get the 17th Amendment passed from the Parliament with a two-thirds majority.
Speaking at a 'meet the press' programme here on Wednesday, Liaquat Baloch, Deputy parliamentary leader of MMA, made it clear that the President is bound to take off his uniform before or on December 31, 2004. MNA Mian Muhammad Aslam was also present on this occasion.
Baloch said that MMA would continue its struggle in and outside the Parliament against President Musharraf to quit the COAS slot.
In response to a query, he said that all political parties would have to adopt a joint strategy in this regard. "We should keep aside all the differences and adopt a joint strategy against President's uniform," he urged all political parties.
Baloch said that MMA would soon contact ARD as Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Chairman of ARD is presently out of country.
To a query regarding President Musharraf's recent statement about his uniform, MMA deputy parliamentary leader said that he (President) would have to be realistic. "It is only his desire to continue as COAS but he is bound to relinquish the post according to the Constitution," Baloch added.
Speaking about the congregation commencing from October 1 under the aegis of Jamaat-i-Islami, Liaquat Baloch said that all the preparations have been made in this regard.
He informed the journalists that it would be 24th congregation in 63 years long history of JI. President Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz have also been invited with all political and religious parties of the country as well to attend the congregation, to be held at Azakhel, Nowshera.
Highlighting the motto of the congregation, Liaquat Baloch said that it would be a historic event in which millions of people from all across the country and from neighbouring countries including India will participate.
Responding to a question, the MMA leader said that it would help in evolving consensus among all the people on important political issues including President's uniform.
Baloch hoped that the congregation would send a clear message to President Musharraf that people are united and do not want to see him in uniform, anymore. He further informed that a 'women' convention would also be held alongside the congregation.