Justice Wajihuddin files nomination, demands direct polls

Islamabad, Sep 27 (UNI) Justice (retd) Wajihuddin Ahmed, the candidate of Pakistan's legal fraternity, today filed his nomination papers for the October 6 presidential polls.

Justice Wajihuddin, after his filing his nomination papers at the Election Commission, said he was contesting against President Pervez Musharraf ''in great national interest''.

He demanded direct presidential elections in the country, asserting, ''Lawyers can win if direct presidential elections are held in the country.'' Talking to newspersons, he said under the Constitution, present assemblies cannot elect the new President as they have completed their five-year term.

Justice Wajihuddin claimed that the present government failed to provide jobs, education and pure drinking water to the people.

About 250 lawyers who accompanied Justice Wajihuddin, chanted slogans against the President and the Chief Election Commissioner.

They were also holding banners and placards.

Lawyers have been at the forefront of a campaign against military rule in the country this year since Gen Musharraf tried and failed to sack Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhury.

UNI