August 14, 2008	Thursday	Sha'aban 11, 1429

ISLAMABAD, Aug 13: President Pervez Musharraf has called for avoiding confrontation and adopting a conciliatory approach to overcome economic crisis and defeat terrorism.

He was speaking at the Salam Pakistan cultural show organised by the PTV at the President House in connection with Independence Day.

This was his first public appearance since the ruling coalition kicked off the impeachment process against him and he used the occasion to express his views on national and regional issues.

However, he deliberately consciously avoided any reference to the performance of the government or the coalition’s impeachment move.

The camera zoomed in on the president several times. He was in causal dress, smoking a cigar and chewing pan, appearing to be in a relaxed mood. He was sharing a sofa with Sehba Musharraf and his mother.

The president called for reconciliation, rather than confrontation, in order to cope with challenges.

He condemned the atrocities in Kashmir, killing of Shaikh Abdul Aziz, a leader of All Parties Hurriyat Conference, and innocent Kashmiri protesters.

No leader from the ruling coalition, nor any import personality from the three services, except the Pakistan Air Force chief, attended the ceremony.

Chief of the Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvaiz Kayani could not attend because he had to attend an Independence Day function at the Military Academy in Kakul.

Pakistan Muslim League-Q president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, NWFP Governor Awais Ghani, Sindh Governor Ishratul Ibad, Chairman Senate Mohammadmian Soomro, former Punjab Governor Lt-Gen (retd) Khalid Maqbool, president’s spokesman Maj-Gen (retd) Rashid Qureshi, MQM leader Khushbakht Shujaat, Hafeez Pirzada, PTV managing director Dr Shahid Masood, Sheikh Rashid, Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, S.M. Zafar, Amir Muqam, Lt-Gen (retd) Javed Ashraf Qazi and Muammad Ali Durrani attended the function.

The president stressed the need for political stability in the country to overcome the crisis. “I think the reconciliation approach is imperative to bring political stability in the country,” he said.

“It is my request to all to adopt reconciliation approach instead of confrontation. Differences should be buried to take the country forward.”

The president said he was confident that the nation would come out of the present crisis.

He condemned the killing of PAF officials in a bomb attack and said that terrorists involved in the attack were trying to weaken the country.

Earlier, national and folk songs were presented by singers Saeen Zahoor, Asif Mehdi, Humaira Channa and Shahida Minni.