JUI(S) announces polls boycott

ISLAMABAD—The head of the JUI (S), Maulana Sami-Ul-Haq, has announced his boycott of the forthcoming general elections.
Addressing a crowded press conference he accused President Musharraf of conspiring of creating divisions amongst the Nation with his slogan and endeavors for a moderate and enlightened Pakistan. He also strongly urged all other candidates to withdraw their nomination papers right today on 15th Dec, as it would be extreme sin to contest the elections, blaming PML (N) and PPP of contesting the elections over the directions of America. He said that Qazi Hussain was “reaping what he had sowed in the past”, and accused agencies of dividing the MMA alliance. He also expressed his strong doubts over the credibility of parties participating in the elections, as all such parties were only strengthening Musharraf’s rule. Meanwhile the executive committee and Parliamentary Board of the JUI (S) was also convened by Maulana Sami-Ul-Haq, which was also attended by all the four Provincial party heads.—Agencies