Sunday, January 2 2005 20:58 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: Pakistan's Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) will begin the second phase of agitation against President Pervez Musharraf's decision to continue as Army Chief by holding protests during Friday prayers of every week this month, a leader of the Islamist alliance said today (Jan 2, 2005).

Protests will be held on January 7th, 14th, and 28th during the Friday prayers, MMA Secretary General Maulana Fazalur Rehman told reporters after the alliance's Supreme Council meeting in Islamabad.

"Imams and Khateebs in their Friday sermons would inform the people about President Musharraf's un-Islamic, pro-US and un-constitutional steps. The MMA has decided to increase contacts with other Opposition parties to chalk out joint future strategy against General Musharraf," he said.

The MMA has decided not to accept Army role in Presidency and in Pakistani politics, he said adding, "We will not accept the supremacy of Army over Constitution, Parliament and democracy."

"General Musharraf has become controversial both as President and Army Chief after he violated his earlier pledge to step down as Army Chief by December 31st, 2004," he said.

He said the MMA will push forward the struggle for restoration of 1973 Constitution and will resist American intervention in Pakistan affairs.

The MMA Supreme Council observed that the Government has failed to maintain peace in the country, he added.