HYDERABAD, May 11: Leaders of the People’s Lawyers Forum have pledged to continue their struggle for restoration of real democracy in the country. Speaking at a news conference at the press club here on Wednesday, the forum’s Hyderabad division president Allah Bachayo Soomro, district president Chaudhry Bashir Ahmad and other leaders said they would support the struggle of democratic forces for restoration of democracy.

They said they would also support oppressed people in their fight for their rights.

They alleged that excesses were being committed against prisoners in jails and many a prisoner had been languishing in jails for years without any legal assistance. They pledged to plead their cases in courts without any fee. They specially referred to women prisoners and advised their relatives to approach the forum immediately.

The forum leaders said they would follow orders of PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto in all matters, including the issue of greater Thal canal and Kalabagh dam projects.

They also condemned excesses against party activists in Punjab. They said cases were being prepared to file suits for damages against the Punjab government and other functionaries.

On this occasion, Mr Soomro announced names of office-bearers of the divisional forum. He also announced names of office-bearers and members of the working committee.

PROTEST: Farmers of the Massu sub-division held a protest demonstration outside the press club here on Wednesday against acute shortage of water in Jam, Saeed Khan, Rahuki, Husri and Miano waterways.