LAHORE, Dec 24: Exiled MQM leader Altaf Husain says raising of the Kalabagh Dam issue at this time is a conspiracy against Gen Musharraf. He was speaking to reporters by phone from London on the inauguration of party’s provincial office here on Saturday.

MQM deputy parliamentary leader Dr Farooq Sattar, federal minister Syed Safwanullah, Omar Draz and other leaders were also present.

Mr Husain said he would stand by the general on the issue only if he managed to get the three provinces agreed on the project, wondering why the ruler in Islamabad was so resolute on the subject.

He saw a few generals and big landowners in Punjab behind the “conspiracy” against Gen Musharraf who, he said, must understand it and should not follow their advice.

He alleged that prominent Sindhi leader Pir Pagaro was on the payroll of the government and that’s why he was supporting the project.

He said all the projects were part of Pakistan and no step should be taken without taking them into confidence.

He alleged that a right wing students organization forced him to give up his studies and he formed a body to counter them.

He said feudal lords were befooling Punjabis and they would never allow the poor of this province to express their opinion independently.

The MQM leader denied that he or his organization was involved in the Jinahpur conspiracy. He alleged that one Brig Asif Haroon had fabricated the story and prepared bogus maps of the so-called independent state.

He said he was ready to accept death penalty if his assertion proved as wrong.

He announced that he would not accept any higher office even if his party came into power.

Urging Punjabis not to befooled in the name of Islam, Mr Husain said he was a friend of Punjab and “a friend is he who points out mistakes of his friend.”