ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s military, judiciary and all political forces support a democratic system in the country, Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf said on Tuesday, urging all state institutions to continue working within their boundaries.

Speaking at a function of the Gujjar Khan Bar Association in Islamabad, PM Ashraf said that, despite the naysayers and all the challenges faced, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) led government had completed its five-year term.

The premier said that the Army and judiciary support a democratic system, and that all political forces are also in agreement that only a democracy could run in the country.

Ashraf further said that the PPP had set a history of reconciliation, and claimed they could have formed a government in both Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab if they desired. However, he said, the PPP respected the people’s mandate and would continue to do so.

The premier’s statement comes nearly a day after Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) stalwart Raza Rabbani said ‘a conspiracy’ was being hatched by certain elements to delay the upcoming general election for two to three years.

The PPP senator had warned that “a sword (of Damocles)” was hanging over democracy and that “it would continue to be there till the election of prime minister after the polls.”

The senator's remarks were followed by a pre-scheduled meeting of the PPP in which the party leadership had discussed possible dates for dissolution of the National Assembly and holding elections.

Also today, PPP Co-Chairman and President Asif Ali Zardari has summoned a meeting of leaders of the coalition parties for Tuesday evening to discuss the dissolution of assemblies and the caretaker setup.