ISLAMABAD, May 5: President General Pervez Musharraf has asked PML leaders from Sindh to shun their internal differences, strengthen the party in the province and prepare for next year’s elections.

The president had convened a meeting of leaders of Sindh PML and PML-F at the President’s House on Friday to continue consultations on various issues, including his uniform and re-election.

The meeting was attended by PML president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, secretary general Mushahid Hussain Syed, apart from Sindh Chief Minister Sindh Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim, Ghaus Bakhsh Mehar, Liaquat Jatoi, Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah, Ali Gohar Mehar, Pir Sadruddin and Ghulam Murtaza Jatoi.

According to an official source, the president told the League leaders in categorical terms that Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain would remain the party’s president and any grievances or suggestions about the party should be addressed to him.

The president said that democracy was taking roots and local government institutions were serving the people at the grass-roots level and resolving problems of the people.

He asked the Leaguers to work hard to make the party strong and popular to come up to the expectations the people pinned on their elected representatives.

He asked them to visit their constituencies frequently and to come up with specific projects for development of the province and their areas.

He reiterated that the assemblies would complete their term and general elections would be held on time as provided in the Constitution. He said the Election Commission enjoyed autonomy and had all the powers to ensure free, fair and transparent elections.

The president said he firmly believed that the future of the country and its prosperity could best be ensured by democracy and democratic process.

During the meeting development programmes for Sindh, social well-being and welfare of the people of the province and the overall political situation came under discussion.

Chief Minister Arbab Rahim and other politicians informed the president about development projects in the province and needs and expectations of the people in urban and rural areas.