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Published 19 May, 2007 12:00am

PTI questions US support for Musharraf

LAHORE, May 18: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf has written a letter to the US Congress and Senate, questioning the Washington support to Gen Pervez Musharraf under the so-called doctrine of necessity of its war against terrorism.

The Pakistanis, the PTI said, wanted an honest and credible judicial system that protected the weak from the mighty. It needed an education system that did not distinguish between the rich and poor, it needed freedom to choose its own government through a fair and transparent election system.

The letter says all this could never happen under Gen Musharraf. “We urge the US administration to stop supporting an illegitimate government led by an army general in uniform.”

The letter says May 12 will be marked as a black day in the history of Pakistan. “Dozens of activists, workers of political parties and civilians were killed and injured while proceeding to Karachi airport to welcome the Chief Justice of Pakistan when they were attacked by the MQM hooligans.

“The brutal acts of terrorism and violence were committed by the MQM as it had a green signal from the federal and provincial governments to stop the chief justice from proceeding to the Sindh High Court. While Gen Musharraf allowed the MQM to organise a rally in his support, the MQM used its hooligans to forcefully stop, terrorise and attack other political groups who wanted to take out a peaceful procession to receive the chief justice.

“It was shameful, outrageous and appalling to see MQM workers freely display and use lethal weapons against their political rivals while the police and army rangers remained silent spectators. The whole metropolis of Karachi was handed over to MQM workers by the administration. Even the members of the SHC bar association were not allowed to leave the premises of the court and proceed to the airport. The president of the Sindh High Court Bar was seen on TV stating that there were dozens of armed men who had surrounded the High Court building and were threatening them with dire consequences if anyone tried to leave for the airport. This was happening despite an order that was passed by the SHC chief justice asking the government to clear the way to the airport. The administration did not take any action to implement this order”.

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