ISLAMABAD, July 25: Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Tariq Azeem Khan has hinted that the term of present assemblies can be extended to one more year in case of emergency.

Talking to newsmen here at Pakistan Muslim League House, Mr Azeem said that no vote of confidence against the prime minister would totally fail as disagreements exist among the ranks of the opposition on a number of issues.

Commenting on impeachment motion against president, Mr Azeem said that opposition is unable to table any such move as they do not have required majority in the parliament. He said that on the one hand the opposition is claiming to strengthen institutions and on the other it is involved in destabilising the present system.

He said that the opposition always threatens to launch a long march against the government but is always rejected by the masses. It is the tradition of the opposition to create hurdles in the smooth functioning of government, he added.

Mr Azeem replying to a question said that President General Pervez Musharraf will take vote of confidence from the present assembly within the legal and constitutional parameters between Sept 16 to Nov 16.

Asked about Pakistan’s nuclear programme, the minister said that Pakistan is a sovereign state and would continue its nuclear programme without any pressure from any side. He said that Pakistan will not become part of arm race but would continue to increase its defence capabilities.—Online