KARACHI, Nov 28: The chairman, National People’s Party, Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi, on Wednesday, emphasized that only the National Assembly has the right to amend the Constitution and warned that any other method in this regard would be unconstitutional.

Speaking at an Iftar dinner hosted in his honour by the Sindh Democratic Alliance, he emphasised on the importance of national integration and democratic rule in the country.

Asked about Gen Musharraf continuing as president even after Oct 2002 elections, Mr Jatoi maintained that it was up to the elected representatives to decide in this connection.

On the policy of the government for supporting the international coalition against terrorism, Mr Jatoi said the decision was correct as Pakistan had no other option.

Illahi Bux Soomro, who was also present on the occasion, maintained that in the past the parliament had elected a military ruler as president of the country. “Maybe the new parliament can also do the same. Alternatively, Gen Musharraf can get himself elected as president through referendum,” he observed.

Asked about reports on alliance between PML (Nawaz) and the Pakistan People’s Party, Mr Soomro said that if the heads of both the parties wanted to enter into an alliance they can do so outside the country. “My effort is to unite both the factions of the PML (N) and PML (QA),” he noted.

On visit to India by Benazir Bhutto, Mr Soomro felt that she should not have undertaken the visit. — PPI