April 8, 2003	Tuesday	Safar 5, 1424

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ISLAMABAD April 7: President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Monday held an in-depth exchange of views on national and international issues with a large delegation of Pakistan Muslim League-Q. Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali was also present at the meeting.

The delegation comprising MNAs belonging to ruling party was led by party chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain while party Secretary-General Salim Saifullah Khan also accompanied.

According to official sources, the president intended to hold a series of similar consultations with parliamentary groups of both ruling coalition partners as well as the opposition.

The president, according to insiders, tried in his meeting, to understand the viewpoint of the party legislators on the ongoing controversy on the Legal Framework Order as well as opposition’s demand that he relinquish the office of the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS).

The president, according to sources, listened to various suggestions but was non-committal about them. He spoke mostly on the performance of the government under his leadership.

Most of the party MNAs supported President Musharraf’s views on national and international issues and also supported him in his stand that he should continue to don army chief uniform.

The party legislators also suggested the president to hold meetings with opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly and Senate to convey them his views on the disputed issues.

A close aide of the president, who recently won a Senate seat, revealed that the MMA had floated a proposal under which it would allow the president to be elected president by parliament if he announced a timeframe for his retirement as the COAS.

The question of the joint session of parliament also came under discussion which it was felt should be held as soon as possible so that the parliamentary process could get under way.

The meeting also discussed recent international developments including the Iraq war, regional situation with reference to Afghanistan and South Asia as well as domestic issues, an official handout said.

The president gave an overall assessment of policies and reforms initiated during his tenure as the chief executive. He explained at length, focus of his government on bringing about economic stability, political restructuring, improving governance and raising the country’s image to that of a responsible member of international community.

He particularly spoke of reforms package introduced to ensure a smooth electoral process, strengthening of national institutions and putting in place a system of checks and balances for sustainable democracy.

Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali lauded policies of last three years initiated by President Musharraf which promised a bright and a prosperous future for the country. He stated that the government had analysed these policies and was committed to continuing and improving them in the best interest of the nation.

He said the government’s efforts were sincere and geared towards the betterment of Pakistan and upholding of interests of its people.

Later, talking to reporters after the meeting, PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain appreciated the process of interaction and consultations on important national issues initiated by the president.

He said during the meeting views were exchanged on national, regional and international issues in a frank and forthright manner. Mr Shujaat emphasised that the challenges posed by international and regional developments demanded national consensus and harmony instead of creating an atmosphere of confrontation and disharmony.

Commenting on the continuing debate and discussion with regard to the LFO he referred to its role in helping the restoration of democracy as well as its sustainability and future.