“The government itself is responsible for mishandling the situation that has led to a chain of events which now threaten the democratic setup,” Altaf told Express News by phone from London.
He said the nation saw how a democratic government was taking undemocratic steps. “There is no one to protect the lives of citizens. Media persons have been beaten up, the national economy has suffered over Rs100 billion in losses and there is complete chaos in governance,” he said.
The MQM chief said Article 190 of the Constitution empowered the Supreme Court to summon the army if deemed necessary for securing the life and property of the people and restoring law and order.
“No, we do not support martial law. In fact, I had suggested an in-house change… and they [PML-N] could have re-elected their prime minister after a few months, but no one listened to me,” he said.
The MQM chief said the army’s job was not just protecting the physical boundaries of the country but also to protect the people of Pakistan. “I suggest Nazwaz Sharif and his team go and meet Imran Khan and Dr Tahirul Qadri and do not get up until the matters are resolved,” he advised.
JI’s all parties’ conference
The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) decided to host an emergency all parties’ conference (APC) on Monday (today). “Growing political polarisation has become a severe threat to future of democracy; therefore, Jamaat-e-Islami intends to save democracy,” said JI Ameer chief Sirajul Haq.
Showing resentment over violence in Islamabad, Haq termed it ‘another black chapter in the country’s history’. “From day one, the JI was trying its best to resolve the issue peacefully and held talks with leaders of both sides,” he added.
Referring to the corps commander conference, Haq said he was confident that the military leadership would play a positive role and would help in resolving of the crisis. “The armed forces must play a role for strengthening the democratic process,” he added.
The JI chief said certain elements were inviting the armed forces for a takeover. “I’m confident, however, that like recent past, the armed forces will ignore such calls,” he added.
Haq said the government must immediately go for implementation of five promises made to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). He also suggested Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif go for direct contacts with Imran Khan and Dr Tahirul Qadri. “I also appeal to Imran and Qadri to review their acts in larger interests of country and its people,” he said.
Meanwhile Pakistan Peoples Party Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari directed party workers to donate blood and look after those injured in the clashes with the police in the Red Zone and admitted to hospitals in Islamabad. Former PPP MNA Zamurad Khan was directed to coordinate visits and blood donation for those injured and lying in hospitals.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 1st, 2014.
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"“No, we do not support martial law. In fact, I had suggested an in-house change… and they [PML-N] could have re-elected their prime minister after a few months, but no one listened to me,” he said. It has been years when Mr.Hussain made any sense, NS should listen to this suggestion for once and bring peace to the country. No more blood shed.