Islamabad, August 25; The Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development And Transparency � PILDAT has termed the MQM chief Mr. Altaf Hussain�s call to �patriotic generals to initiate martial law-like steps against feudal politicians� as inappropriate and unfortunate but at the same time indicative of the growing public frustration with weak governance. Mr. Altaf Hussain, founder and leader of the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) made these comments in a telephonic address from London to a Workers� Convention held at Lal Qilla Ground in Federal �B� Area, Karachi on Monday.

PILDAT agreed that there were serious drawbacks in the current governance and some of the holders of high public offices may be involved in wrongdoing but its solution lies in putting in place an independent, effective and efficient system of accountability by creating an accountability institution free from political interference through the passage of a strong accountability law which has been pending before the National Assembly for the past nearly 2 years. Strengthening civilian and democratic institutions is the only way to ensure justice and fairplay in the society. Military rules in the past have resulted in the destruction of civilian and democratic institutions without any improvement in the quality of governance and rule of law. Pakistan is proud of its military and its sacrifices both in combating insurgency and peacetime rescue operations but it will be a great disservice to the military and the country to ask them to interfere in the democratic process. Democracy needs continuous vigilance, hardwork and patience and all democratic forces whether in the Parliament or outside should use only constitutional means to hold the rulers to account and replace them, through vote, when necessary. The ills of democracy can only be eradicated through more and a continuous system of democracy under which all sectors of the Government work within their constitutionally-defined spheres, said PILDAT.

PILDAT also added that politicians, especially the ruling parties, should consider the MQM Chief�s statement as a sign of growing frustration of the people with the current governance system and take it as a shot in the arm and improve the quality of governance.