ISLAMABAD, Nov 23: On the call of the All Parties Democratic Alliance (APDM), opposition forces on Friday hold rallies in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad and their adjacent towns to protest against the imposition of emergency in the country.
Scores of protesters, including activists of Jamaat-i- Islami, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) staged a protest demonstration at Aabpara Market, carrying placards and chanting anti-government slogans.
They were pressing for the restoration of pre-November 3 Supreme Court, free media and a caretaker government that represented all political parties.
The protest rally was addressed by a number of APDM leaders, including Mian Mohammad Aslam and Amir Syed Bilal of the JI, and Syed Zafar Ali Shah and Mushahidullah.
The speakers termed the time of emergency blackest days in the country’s history, and demanded that President Gen Pervez Musharraf should quit both offices held by him before the forthcoming general elections.
They observed that polls under the supervision of President Musharraf could never turn out to be free and fair. They also called for an end to the alleged role of the intelligence agencies during the election days.
The APDM leaders also demanded the reinstatement of the deposed Supreme Court judges, and described the existing apex court as “Dummy” which, they said, was dancing to the tune of the military regime.
In Rawalpindi, the local leaders and workers of the APDM took to the streets and staged a protest demonstration at Raja Bazaar that was led by JI leader Mohammad Kamal and Shamsur Rehman Swati.
After being stopped by the police from marching towards Liaquat Bagh, they staged a sit-in at Fawara Chowk where they delivered fiery speeches ad criticised the government policies.
MURREE: Holding a protest rally at Barrian Bazaar in Murree on the call of the APDM, opposition leaders said the “unconstitutional” rule would not last long as the public was now politically empowered because of the free media in the private sector.
The participants of the rally that was staged after the Friday prayers expressed solidarity with the journalists and deposed senior judges, and emphasised that the military ruler would be made answerable to the masses.
Speakers, including Darya Gali UC Nazim Abid Abbasi, said the struggle against the suspension of the constitution, media curbs and ouster of judges would continue until the things reverted to pre-emergency situation.
Meanwhile, later the local police raided the house of Mr Abbasi, who was not present there, and allegedly tried to take his children into custody. However, they had to back off in the wake of resistance offered by locals.
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