Islamabad, Oct 14: Even as political parties hold talks to form a new government, Pakistan appears to be heading for a constitutional crisis with the hardline religious alliance Majlis-e-Amal today said it would not take oath of office under the Constitution amended by President Pervez Musharraf. Senior MMA leader and chief of Jamat Islami (JI) Qazi Hussain Ahmad told reporters that members of his alliance would take oath under the 1973 constitution, which was later drastically amended by Musharraf.

"The MMA wants smooth transfer of power and there should be no problem. We will not create crisis. We wish Parliament to work in accordance with the constitution. Restoration of constitution is a must. Members also took oath during Zia-Ul Haq period. We will keep the tradition alive", he said. Ahead of the elections, Musharraf has said the members would take oath under the constitution (amended by him).

Ahmed also renewed his party's opposition to the presence of US military bases on Pakistani soil. "We do not need American support. We do not need foreign troops on our land," he said.

Saying that Pakistani soil should not be used for interference in neighbouring countries, he said, "we are not terrorists. Pakistan will not be used for terrorism. We will deal with these issues internally. There is no need for foreign troops for this purpose. We are capable of defending our frontiers." Bureau Report