Qazi Hussain wants Musharraf to quit to avoid civil war

Muttehadda Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) president Qazi Hussain Ahmed has asked Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to quit in order to save the country from civil war.

Lahore, July 18 : Muttehadda Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) president Qazi Hussain Ahmed has asked Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to quit in order to "save the country from civil war."

Ahmed's statement comes in reaction to the Tuesday's blast at the lawyers' convention in Islamabad. According to him, only those people could be behind it who want to avoid elections and impose emergency in the country.

He was quoted by the Dawn as saying, that the bombing was aimed at sabotaging the lawyer's movement in support of the suspended Supreme Court Chief Justice, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry besides harassing the opposition.

"It has taken place at a time when the full court is going to decide the fate of presidential reference against the CJP," Ahmed said.

At least 16 people were killed and several others were injured in twin blasts in Islamabad at the venue of lawyers' rally, which was to be addressed by Justice Chaudhry.

Most of the persons (deceased and injured) belong to Pakistan People's Party (PPP).

President Pervez Musharraf has strongly condemned the "terrorist attack" and has appealed for calm.

Justice Chaudhry's convoy was 20 minutes away from the spot when the explosion occurred. However, he arrived at the site later and prayed for the victims.

The meeting was arranged at the premises of Islamabad Bar Council.

Hundreds of people had gathered at the District Court building for Justice Chaudhry, who was on his way to the venue when the blasts took place.

President Musharraf suspended Justice Chaudhry on March 9 after drawing up a set of charges against him.

The suspension of Justice Chaudhry sparked nation wide protests by lawyers who demanded independence of the judiciary and establishment of the rule of law.

ANI