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Published 12 Nov, 2007 12:00am

PML-N, JI to boycott polls under emergency

LAHORE, Nov 11: The Pakistan Muslim League (N), Jamaat-i-Islami and the Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf have decided not to take part in elections held under emergency and vowed to resist the polls without the lifting of the state of emergency and restoration of the superior judiciary.

The decision was taken at a meeting between JI chief Qazi Hussain Ahmad and PTI chairman Imran Khan here on Sunday. PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif participated in the discussion on telephone, says a press release issued by the Punjab PTI.

The three leaders agreed to launch a struggle against “unconstitutional desires and steps” of the government.

The press release said Imran Khan would lead a students’ march from the Punjab University’s New Campus on Nov 14.

Qazi Hussain and Mr Sharif assured Imran Khan of their support for his efforts to mobilise the youth for the movement.

Mr Sharif informed the two leaders about his contacts with PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto.

Commenting on announcements made by Gen Pervez Musharraf at his Sunday’s press conference, Imran Khan said unconstitutional steps taken against the people under the garb of emergency negated requirements of justice.

Iftikhar A. Khan adds from Islamabad: The Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal has rejected Gen Musharraf’s plan to hold general elections under emergency and demanded immediate restoration of the Constitution.

Talking to Dawn, MMA deputy secretary-general Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri said emergency was not in the national interest and could not solve problems faced by the country.

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