A planned protest in Bradford against the Pakistani government aims to disrupt democracy in that country, according to one of the city's Muslim leaders.

The proposed demonstration outside the Pakistani Consulate by radical Islamic group Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain has been criticised by the Pakistan Society of West Yorkshire.

The society's president, Rashid Awan, said the group was politically motivated.

He said: "They seem to want to disrupt the whole process of a democratic system which is now prevailing in Pakistan. President Musharraf is trying to ensure the democratic system is put on track and he doesn't want this system derailed by people who have failed democratically.

"Pakistan is pointing in the right direction and the policies are acceptable to most people. The country has committed itself against terrorism - that doesn't mean Pakistan isn't independent. Pakistan is also a victim of terrorism itself."

The demonstration in protest at the country's military links with the United States, on Saturday, has been timed to coincide with Pakistan Independence Day.

Supporters of Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain said they would gather outside the consulate on Napier Terrace to highlight what they called "Pakistan's lack of independence" and the "continued subservience" of President Musharraf to foreign powers.

The organisation's spokesman Dr Imran Waheed said: "President Musharraf's Pakistan is far from independent. He has sold out over Kashmir, has permitted American forces to establish bases in Pakistan and legitimised the occupation of Iraq.

"He has provided logistical support and intelligence to US forces in Afghanistan and has surrendered control over Pakistan's agriculture to multinationals. It seems that Pakistan's domestic and foreign policies under Musharraf are entirely dictated by the US administration in accordance with its interests."

Hizb ut-Tahrir describes itself as an independent Islamic political party following strict Shari'ah law but is strongly opposed to violence or armed struggle. It aims to establish an Islamic state.

Dr Waheed said the organisation had dozens of members in Bradford and thousands of supporters nationally. He said the Bradford protest would be peaceful with placards and speeches.

He said: "We feel there are a lot of Pakistani Muslims who are dissatisfied with the current regime because it has compromised Pakistan's interests to the US.

"We hope this will serve as a rallying point for Muslims to express their dissatisfaction."

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "They are entitled to hold a peaceful demonstration and they have done so in the past in the Bradford area. Police will be liaising with the group to ensure the demonstration passes peacefully."

l The Pakistan Society of West Yorkshire will be holding its 11th annual Independence Day celebration at Bradford's Hilton Hotel on Saturday evening. Around 600 guests are expected for the event which will also feature the group SK1 from Pakistan.