RAWALPINDI: The Opposition is bargaining hard for securing an extension of the life of the present National Assembly for two years.

This, it is understood, is the price they are demanding for letting the Government party have the requisite two-third majority for the passage of the Constitution Second Amendment Bill which reduces the current term of the President by five months and provides for the Presidential elections earlier.

Although hectic negotiations are believed to be going on, the President, it is understood, has categorically refused to agree to any such bargain regardless of the fate of the Bill. Unless 104 members lend their support, the Bill cannot get through the National Assembly.

The Government Party Whip claims its strength to be 97. If all the ruling party members turn up, even then at least seven from the Opposition must extend co-operation to ensure a smooth sailing for the Bill.

For securing the support of seven Opposition members a lot of hard bargaining has been going on between the leaders of the two sides. Some Opposition members are more than willing to vote for the Bill provided that the life of the present legislature is extended by another two years.