Gilani, Sharif denounce MQM chief for "incomprehensible" martial rule remarks

Islamabad, Aug.24 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has described Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain's call for martial law in the country as "incomprehensible", adding that the Pakistan People's Party (PPP)-led Government does not want to enter into any confrontation with political parties at a time when nearly 20 million are struggling cope with devastating floods.

Talking to media persons during his visit to the flood-affected areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, Gilani said Hussain's remarks were beyond understanding.

"We don't want to indulge in any sort of confrontational politics," The Nation quoted Gilani, as saying.

In his telephonic address from London Hussain, whose party is part of the PPP-led coalition government in Pakistan, urged "patriotic generals to initiate martial law-like steps against feudal politicians and former generals who disgraced the army institution during the Soviet-Afghan war".

Hussain said that his party would support steps similar to martial law against "corrupt politicians" to weed out the menace of corruption triggering talks of another military coup.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif also denounced Hussain for making such a statement, saying martial law has always brought destruction to the country.

"This genre of government dismembered Pakistan in 1971," Sharif said.

Earlier, the PML-N had urged the Supreme Court to take note of Hussain's statement and charge him for violating the Constitution.

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan appealed to both the apex court and the Chief Election Commissioner to try the MQM chief for acting against the country's constitution.

"I will call upon the apex court and the CEC to take notice of the statement and take action against Altaf Hussain under Article 6 of the constitution for trying to sabotage and act against the spirit of the constitution," Khan said. (ANI)