PESHAWAR, May 1: NWFP Governor Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah has said that the results of the referendum and the enthusiastic participation of the people in it have given a new spirit and courage to the government, which has created a new history of national integration, solidarity and cohesion in the country.

Commenting on the results of referendum, he said the overwhelming support extended to the reforms introduced by President Pervez Musharraf during the past two-and-a-half years not only depicted the awareness of the masses towards the   issues of national importance but it also demonstrated their unflinching confidence in Gen Musharraf’s leadership.

In fact, he said, by conceding to the most difficult decisions taken by the present government during the past, the people have already shown their support but the referendum has practically proved the realities in this connection.

The strength extended to President Pervez Musharraf through it, he added, would have far-reaching effects towards the restoration of stable democratic norms in the country.

He said the people wanted a positive change in the society which is only possible under the leadership of Gen Pervez Musharraf and the masses also practically admitted this reality.