The Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) on Monday announced to launch its second round of countrywide agitation against the Musharraf government from this month. It also announced that MMA would fully co-operate with Alliance for Restoration of Democracy (ARD) and other political forces to 'oust military regime'. Once again, it has decided not to attend National Security Council (NSC) meeting until the government meets its demands.
These decisions were taken during a meeting of MMA supreme council here at the residence of Qazi Hussain Ahmed. Secretary General Fazal-ur-Rehman, Liaqat Baloch, Ghafoor Haideri, Sajid Mir and others attended the meeting.
Briefing the newsmen, Qazi along with Liaqat said that current political scenario was extensively discussed in the meeting, especially the situation of Balochistan and other flood affected areas.
Qazi said that the government has shut all doors for dialogue. President General Musharraf has violated his commitment with MMA under the 17th Amendment. "Deadlock was created in our negotiations twice over the issue of keeping both offices after December 31," he added.
"If he (President) does not fulfil his commitment, then we are not bound under the pact as well", Qazi said.
He said that there strong need of fresh Presidential election in the country, according to the constitution.
Qazi said that Commonwealth is following dual policy. "Commonwealth had cancelled Pakistan's membership due to military coup and now it is favouring a uniformed President till 2007 under the pressure of United States," he added.
Qazi said that it would urge everybody to join hands to end military dictatorship. Leadership of ARD will hold talks with MMA after its supreme council meeting. "We have agreed with Nawaz Sharif in Jeddah to launch joint movement. He will form a committee to negotiate with MMA," he said.
Earlier, Liaqat Baloch said that MMA would launch its second round of countrywide agitation from February to March in which million marches will be held in major cities of Karachi, Lahore, Quetta and Peshawar. "We will also organise caravans from Peshawar to Lahore, Multan to Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur to Hyderabad to mobilize masses against the undemocratic and unconstitutional government," he said.
Ulema, lawyers and labourers will also hold conventions at provincial headquarters of the party. "We have decided that representatives of MMA will again not attend the NSC meeting," he added.
He said that Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has not addressed their reservations about NSC yet. An 'unconstitutional president' can not chair the National Security Council meeting, he stressed.
About the Balochistan situation, Liaqat said that military operation in Balochistan would bring dire consequences for the government. "The government has bypassed the Parliament, Cabinet and political parties. We are of the view that federal government has adopted wrong policy to resolve the crisis of Balochistan, tribal and northern areas issues," he said.
MMA's supreme council expressed great sorrow over the loss of lives and property due to torrential rains and floods in various parts of the country. It demanded of the government to form a judicial committee of Supreme Court to inquire into what led to collapse of dams in Balochistan. They also urged the government to launch massive operations for the rehabilitation of affected people.
Constant increase in oil, gas and electricity prices was also condemned in the meeting.
It was announced that next meeting of supreme council would be held in Peshawar to take stock of MMA's performance in NWFP and to form strategy for local bodies' elections.