DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Jan 6: President Gen Pervez Musharraf said on Saturday that his uniform had nothing to do with democracy, urging the masses to reject elements opposed to progress and prosperity in the next elections.
"For the first time, the assemblies are completing their tenure. The year 2007 is the election year and people should elect progressive and moderate people," he added.
The president was addressing a public gathering here on Saturday after inaugurating a project to supply natural gas to six southern districts of the Frontier province. NWFP Governor Ali Muhammad Jan Aurakzai, Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani and several federal ministers were also present.
President Musharraf said some elements had been misleading the people by raising the issue of uniform. "The uniform has nothing to do with democracy. It must not be confused and the vested interest is out to mislead the nation," he remarked.
"Vote for my supporters who will strengthen my hands to take the country on the road to modernity," said Gen Musharraf.
He urged the people to wipe out extremism, shun sectarianism and stand united against terrorism. He said that he would never allow elements opposed to progress and prosperity and who wanted to keep the nation deprived.
“Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is condemnable and the nation should stand united to fight it and achieve progress,” he said.
About the issue of foreign elements hiding in the country, the president said these foreigners were involved in terrorism. "They will have to go and leave the country," the president sounded firm.Gen Musharraf reiterated his resolve to construct major water reservoirs, including the controversial Kalabagh dam. He said that work on the Gomal Zam dam would be restarted soon and he would inaugurate it.
The president announced that natural gas would be supplied to five southern districts of the NWFP which would benefit around 2.2 million people in the area.
He said that the federal government had allocated funds for various mega projects that would create job opportunities in the area. The president said that work on the Lowari tunnel was in progress while work on Kurram Tangi and Munda dams would be initiated soon.
