ISLAMABAD, May 16: President General Pervez Musharraf has ruled out any change in the leadership of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (PML) and said the government will be there till the elections in 2007. Addressing the PML central executive committee here on Monday, the president asked the leaders of the party to shun petty differences and be ready for the forthcoming local government elections which, he said, would to be held on schedule.
He said the schedule for the local body polls would be announced in June and the process would start in July-August. The next general elections would be held in 2007, he added. Gen Musharraf had invited to lunch the members of the party CEC who had sought a meeting with him in their Saturday meeting at the PML House.
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, PML president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, former prime minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamli, and party secretary-general Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed. Ministers Humayun Akhtar, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed and Ijazul Haq, Sardar Farooq Ahmed Khan Leghari, Mian Manzoor Wattoo, Gohar Ayub, Tariq Azim, Senator Nisar Memon and Salim Saifullah Khan were also present.
General Musharraf stressed the need for gaining support of like-minded moderate MPs from the opposition and independents to strengthen the government. He directed the party to hold inner-party elections on all tiers and for central and provincial office-bearers to give the party a more democratic base.
The president said that no party leader should go to the press about his personal differences with the party. It was better to contact the party president to get the grievances redressed, he said and suggested that action should be taken against violators.
Meanwhile, an official press release issued here said: “President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Monday underscored the importance of political unity for the continued focus on translating economic development into tangible benefits for the common man.
“Addressing senior leaders of the PML at the Aiwan-i-Sadr, the two leaders said elected representatives had a vital role to play in realising sustainable socio-economic progress at the grassroots level.
“The president reiterated his firm commitment to democratic process and democracy in the country. He sated that the local government elections would take place this year in July-August while general elections would be held in 2007.
“He emphasised that the leaders of the party should dispel misperceptions regarding disunity in the ranks of the PML.
“The two leaders underlined the importance of pursuing development policies for poverty alleviation, stating that inflow of foreign investment and creation of employment opportunities required consolidation of current economic policies for passing on maximum benefits to people across the country.
“The benefits of development can reach the common man more efficiently through political unity, stability and a focussed approach by all on priority areas, the president said.
“The president and prime minister said the political leaders should work together to enhance Pakistan’s image in the comity of nations as a moderate progressive Islamic state.
“The president pointed out that the Muslim world vies Pakistan as a role model due to its moderate, enlightened and forward-looking policies.
“During the meeting, president briefed the Leaguers about his recent visit to India and parleys with the Indian leadership. He also exchanged views on important national issues.
“In his remarks president PML Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain said there was unity in the party, and it had been decided that regular meetings would be held to foster harmony and unity on all issues.”
