Altaf asks army to restore democracy
By Our Staff Correspondent

LONDON, Oct 12: Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain has asked the army chief and the its leadership to restore democracy in the country at the earliest. "This (restoration of democracy) is in the interest of the country as well as the army," Mr Hussain told Dawn while commenting on the dismissal of Nawaz Sharif government in Pakistan.

The MQM chief held former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif responsible for the current situation and said that his "autocratic and dictatorial attitude" forced the army to step in. "Nawaz Sharif had left no choice for the army," he added.

He said the foremost task of any government installed in Pakistan should be to hold accountability of all corrupt politicians who have looted the national wealth.

He said the army should move fast towards restoring democracy, adding that the army had been forced to take the action, which was not liked by democracy-loving people like him.

Asked whether he would favour holding of fresh elections within 90 days, he said he would support the restoration of democracy in the country as well as demand accountability of those who looted the national wealth, suppressed the judiciary and subjugated the national press.

He said Nawaz Sharif had resorted to extra-constitutional measures to suppress the opposition parties, particularly the MQM in Sindh. "He (Nawaz Sharif) must be tried for extra-judicial killings that took place during his tenure in Pakistan in general and Karachi in particular."

Asked whether he would support a caretaker government set up for a year or two to hold across the board accountability of all politicians before holding the next elections, he said it was too early to say that. "I am waiting for the speech of the army chief," he said. "But whatever decision will be taken, will be by the central coordination committee and not by me."

Asked whether he would oppose martial law, he said: "Again it is too early to comment. We don't know what is going to happen. The situation is still fluid and we have to wait and see."

When his attention was drawn that so far the assemblies have not been dissolved, and would he favour an in-house change, Mr Hussain said he would give his detailed reaction once the situation clears.