KARACHI: CM, Altaf, other allies congratulate General Musharraf
By Our Staff Reporter
KARACHI, Oct 7: President General Pervez Musharraf’s allies, including Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim, members of the provincial cabinet and heads of the ruling coalition parties, have congratulated him on his landslide victory over his rivals in the Oct 6 presidential election.
Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim termed Gen Musharraf’s victory “a success of the people of Pakistan”, and hoped that his re-election would help eliminate political uncertainty in the country.
According to a handout, the chief minister observed this while speaking at a meeting of the cabinet minister, legislators and senior members of coalition parties who visited him at the CM’s House on Sunday.
Dr Arbab said that President Musharraf had put the country on the path of democracy. He said it was under his rule that the elected assemblies had almost completed their five-year term. He was of the view that the country needed President Musharraf’s leadership to further strengthen the democratic system.
He said that whatever it would be, the set up after the upcoming general elections would sure be beneficial for the country and the nation.
Chief of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Altaf Hussain phoned President Pervez Musharraf to congratulate him on his victory. He also extended felicitation on behalf of his party.
According to a party press release, the Mr Hussain re-assured President Musharraf of the continued support of his party and the Haq Parast people in future, saying that they would extend all out support to his policies towards the strengthening of the democratic system.
President Musharraf thanked Mr Hussain and acknowledged his party’s full support and cooperation even in the difficult times.
Sindh Minister for Women Development Dr Saeeda Malik, in a statement issued here on Sunday congratulated President Musharraf on his victory in the presidential election, and said she felt it was the victory of all democratic forces. President Musharraf’s success showed his popularity in the masses, she observed, adding: “The president’s success will further improve the country’s image in the comity of nations.”
Provincial ministers and advisers, including Syed Sardar Ahmed, Shabbir Ahmed Qaimkhani, Waseem Akhtar and Hamid Abidi of the MQM; Irfanullah Marwat, Nadir Akmal Leghari, Hameeda Khuhru and other leaders and legislators belonging to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League; heads of other allied parties and Deputy Speaker of the Sindh Assembly Rahila Tiwana also congratulated President Musharraf.
The ruling PML and the MQM also took out separate rallies on Saturday night and Sunday to celebrate President Musharraf’s victory. A display of fireworks was organised late on Saturday night near the Port Fountain where Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad and federal minister Babar Ghauri joined in a big crowed of jubilant people.
Eminent businessmen Siraj Kassim Teli and Zubair Motiwala, in their separate messages, also congratulated Gen Pervez Musharraf on his re-election as president.
