Briefing journalists about the ARD party heads' emergency meeting here at Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) camp office, upset looking ARD Chairman Makhdoom Amin Fahim alleged that the rulers were resorting to target killing of civilians and politicians, who opposed their policies.
The meeting assailed the government for the poor law and order, unbridled price-hike, rampant street crime and mega scandals and the waiving of over Rs 22 billion loans of the ruling setup near and dear ones. The ARD top brass reviewed the latest political situation with particular focus on the post-Bugti's killing scene and declared the stage of a decisive struggle was set.
The Alliance also condemned the 'treatment' being meted out to the father of the nuclear programme, Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan. Makhdoom Amin Fahim announced that the Alliance will welcome other Opposition groups, even the ruling coalition lawmakers to join the 'Ghaibana Namaz-e-Janaza' of Jamhoori Watan Party President Nawab Akbar Bugti in front of the Parliament, following the no-trust motion voting.
He said the Alliance had given the call for a countrywide demonstrations on August 30 to express anger and grief over the incident. Likewise, an all parties conference was being convened on August 31 to discuss Bugti's death, Balochistan situation and Pakistan's future. A shutter down strike will be observed on September 1 across the country.
The Alliance's component parties will hold a public meeting at the Minar-e-Pakistan on September 10. Later, other Opposition groups, the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal, the Pakistan Oppressed Nations Movement, and the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf also decided to join the strike.
Makhdoom Amin Fahim reiterated that the ARD with other Opposition groups would push for a final phase of struggle to overthrow the military regime. He, however, made it clear that it would be peaceful.
He rejected the government's assertion that the action against Bugti and his fighters was taken on the request of Balochistan government.
The ARD leader vehemently brushed aside the government dubbing the nationalist leader as a traitor, asking how a politician who contributed to the Pakistan Movement and later, held several key government posts, can be a traitor. He maintained that Bugti's party had representation in both Houses of the Parliament and was part of the Alliance, which was formed to restore democracy and revive 1973 Constitution.
Replying to questions, Makhdoom Amin said that no-trust motion was the first major step to rally for the government's exit, as the military had no constitutional role in politics.
ARD Secretary General Zafar Iqbal Jhagra said that an FIR would be lodged against whosoever was responsible for the murder of Nawab Akbar Bugti.