No compromise on uniform: Qazi

The Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) central leader Qazi Hussain Ahmed has said the alliance will not compromise on the President's uniform and General Pervez Musharraf will be forced to quit army post.
"We expect, Musharraf will honour his agreement with the MMA and shed off uniform in the wider national interest," he said.
Qazi Hussain, in an e-mail interview with this news agency, warned that if President Musharraf failed to fulfil his commitment and did not give up army post by December 31, a forceful countrywide campaign would be launched against him for which, he said, preparations had already been started.
He was of the opinion that both the Alliance for Restoration of Democracy (ARD) and the MMA should co-operate with each other to launch an anti-Musharraf movement.
"Since our target is the same, then why can't we go together to get rid of the uniformed President," he questioned.
He said a six-member committee, headed by Hafiz Hussain Ahmed, had been formed by the MMA supreme council, which was in constant touch with political parties on the uniform issue.
In a reply to a question, Qazi Hussain said the MMA had accepted the President in uniform for one year just to give a safe passage to the army to return to the barracks.
"Other parties, criticising the MMA leadership for accepting the 17th Amendment, have also made compromise on various steps taken by General Musharraf," he claimed. Opposing operation in Wana, Qazi Hussain said the local people had taken arms and were now face to face with the army personnel due to wrong policies of the government.
He said that the MMA was against that operation and always suggested to seek political solution of the issue. "we are against violence, bloodshed and lawlessness wherever it is. But we want its solution and it is the duty of the government to take initiative.
"It is because of the US pressure that the army is being used. It is not in the interest of Pakistan," Qazi Hussain observed.
Qazi Hussain Ahmed, who is also Jamaat-i-Islami Ameer, slammed the government for its utter failure to control the deteriorating law and order situation in the country.
He said bomb blasts had become routine matter and the rulers were paying mere lip-service instead of taking practical steps to combat the terrorism.
The MMA central leader rejected the resolution of Punjab and Sindh assemblies, requesting General Musharraf to retain both offices even after December 31.
He strongly condemned President Musharraf and his pro-American policies, and asked the people to stand up against what he said anti-people policies of President Musharraf.