WASHINGTON (IslamOnline) - Tanzeemul Ikhwan, a party mainly consisting of former Pakistani military men, has demanded the Pakistani government accept its demand to enforce Sharia'h laws by March 7th or else it will declare its own "Islamic State of Pakistan", even though it might be confined to a Madrassah or a village.
Speaking at a conference in Islamabad, Maulana Akram Awan, amir of Tanzeemul, said he had called off his party's proposed march to Islamabad after assurances from top government officials. "The attitude of intelligence agencies have forced me to announce that we will declare an Islamic State of Pakistan if our demands are not accepted."
When questioned about his alleged arrest in a murder case in 1953, Awan answered, "Yes, I was nominated in a murder case in 1953 and I was granted bail by the Sessions Court."
He explained that he is tribesman and such things do happen in tribal society.
When asked as to why he had chosen to press his demands at a time when Pakistan is going through difficult times, he answered that he believes the military government is trying to change the system, and that he wants an Islamic system instead.
Also speaking at the conference was the former Director of Inter-Services Intelligence, Lieutenant General Hameed Gul.
He advised Awan to not to capture power by force lest the enemy should take advantage. He also urged him to tolerate those who "drink behind closed doors" and "westernized women" for some time.
Another Tanzeem leader, Rafiq Ahmad Ghuncha, said that the Pakistani government could easily collect 7.5 trillion rupees annually by introducing Zakat and Ushr.
