09 September 2004	Thursday	23 Rajab 1425

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LAHORE, Sept 8: Punjab PML Secretary-General Chaudhry Zaheeruddin has directed all district organizations of the party to pass resolutions on Thursday (today) that President Musharraf should retain his military uniform for another five years.

It is said that he personally contacted officials of the district organizations for the purpose. The Punjab Assembly is expected to pass a resolution on the subject on Sept 13. There are indications that the PML will hold seminars to mobilize public opinion in favour of Gen Musharraf's dual office.

PML-N: Punjab PML-N President Sirdar Zulfikar Khosa demanded on Wednesday Gen Musharraf quit as army chief before the end of the year, as provided in the 17th amendment.

At a news conference in the presence of other party leaders at the Punjab Assembly Secretariat, he said it was not fair for the general to say that he himself would take a decision keeping in mind the national interests. He said when a provision in this regard had been incorporated in the constitution, it should be respected.

Provincial secretary-general Khwaja Saad Rafiq said his party would move a motion against the Punjab chief minister for his pro-uniform statement. He said Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz's statement on the subject meant that efforts were being made to impose 'military democracy' on the country.

He said the ARD would meet soon to discuss political situation and decide future course of action. Rana Sanullah Khan said the five-year 'extension' being allowed to the general was against the commitments of the ruling party that they were working for the gradual restoration of democracy.

He said the PML-N would continue to resist dictatorship, irrespective of the consequences. Khosa told a questioner that the relevant article of the constitution was very clear and there was no need for the party to take it to the Supreme Court to get it interpreted.

Also, he said, there was no use seeking the apex court's intervention as the government had deported Mian Shahbaz Sharif even when the Supreme Court had allowed him to come to Pakistan and stay here.

Saad said the possibility of the emergence of a grand opposition alliance could not be ruled out. MNA Pervaiz Malik and PML-N Senate candidate Birjees Tahir also addressed.