MARDAN, Nov 17: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) continued with its protest campaign against the imposition of emergency in the country in various cities of the province and six of its workers and leaders were arrested here on Saturday.

The PPP workers, including members from its women wing, took out a procession. A PPP candidate from the provincial constituency PF-23, Haji Arshad Khan, led the protest.

The PPP workers also held a demonstration at the Pakistan Chowk and in front of the Mardan Press Club where they rejected the caretaker government of Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro and claimed that fair and transparent elections were not possible under the new set-up.

Speaking on the occasion before his arrest, Haji Arshad called for the restoration of the constitution, reinstatement of the judges of superior courts and lifting of ban on news TV channels.

He said that Gen Musharraf should step down in the interest of the country. He vowed that their struggle would continue against the regime.

Later, police arrested six PPP activists and took them to an unidentified destination.

In Karak, the PPP took out a protest procession under the leadership of its district chief Malik Sher Qanoos.

The procession started from the Ameer Market and turned into a public gathering at Saddam Chowk where leaders addressed the protesters.

Malik Sher Qanoos and Ameer Zeeb regretted that the powers that be had made the country hostage to serve the interests of one individual.

The speakers condemned the ban on the media and said the dictator could not prolong his unlawful rule through these measures.

They called upon Gen Musharraf to step down and also demanded release of all political prisoners.

In Timergara, workers of the PPP and People’s Students Federation and lawyers organised a joint protest rally.

The protesters, led by PPP district president Malik Azmat Khan, paraded roads from Balambat to Timergara bazaar.

Malik Azmat, Khadim Jan and other PPP leaders and bar president Hazrat Rahman made speeches against the imposition of emergency and removal of judges.

The lawyers boycotted court proceedings and vowed to continue efforts to compel the government to meet the demands of legal community.

Meanwhile, curfew imposed in Malakand and Swat caused trouble for the people of Dir. All roads were closed, affecting passengers.

In Landi Kotal, a number of activists of the Pakistan People’s Party were arrested by the Khyber Agency political authorities in Jamrud when they tried to hold a demonstration.

The political administration had blocked all the entry and exit points to the agency to prevent the PPP supporters from holding the demonstration.

However, hundreds of party workers from Bara, Landi Kotal, Bajaur, Mohmand, Waziristan and Kurram reached the Takhta Beg checkpost in Jamrud.

PPP Fata chief organiser and a former federal State Minister Malik Waris Khan Afridi vowed to continue their struggle till the lifting of emergency and ousting of President Gen Musharraf.

He said that political workers, lawyers, journalists and civil society activists arrested after the imposition of emergency should immediately be released.

Demanding reinstatement of the Supreme Court judges, the PPP leader said the Provisional Constitution Order should be withdrawn.

Criticising ban on television news channels, he termed the move as an undemocratic act by the Musharraf government.

Malik Waris rejected the interim government and alleged that the cabinet comprises of pro-Musharraf elements.

Condemning the army operation in Swat and tribal areas, he urged the government to solve the issue through dialogue.

PPP Fata (women wing) president Aisha Gulalai accused the Musharraf government of creating political disturbance in the country so as to postpone the general elections.