August 21, 2003	Thursday	Jumadi-us-Sani 22, 1424

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LAHORE, Aug 20: The MMA may show flexibility in its stance on the uniform, 58(2)(b) and other controversial issues provided the government accepts that the LFO cannot be made part of the Constitution but through the procedure laid down in the basic law itself, sources in the alliance say.

The MMA is considering changing its stand to avert the blame for the deadlock in its talks with the government and the likely collapse of the system.

“The MMA may consider extending the deadline it earlier gave to the president for shedding his uniform by one more year (up to 2005) or dropping the condition that the act of dissolving assemblies by the president must be subject to the Supreme Court’s validation, if the government agrees to the point that the Constitution can be amended only through constitutional means,” these sources say.

Under these terms, the MMA sources indicate, the alliance may show further flexibility on other clauses of the LFO to ensure that the system runs smoothly.

The alliance believes that the shift in its stance will weaken Gen Pervez Musharraf’s position both in his “constituency” (army) and in the eyes of people. The MMA is of the view that in case the system collapses in the wake of failed talks, then the government and not the MMA will be held responsible for that.