ISLAMABAD, Dec 30: A wide spectrum of political leadership on Sunday assured President Gen Pervez Musharraf of their full support in case of war, and appreciated government policy of exercising “patience” and “restraint” in the face of Indian provocations.

Indian massive troop buildup on the eastern borders and government’s Afghan policy were discussed at a marathon meeting attended by over 30 heads and leaders of political parties, a political source said.

The leaders, among whom included a former president and a former prime minister, termed the Indian troop buildup a pressure tactic. They were of the view that by amassing their troops at borders, India wanted Pakistan to make some mistake so that Delhi could declare and impose war on Islamabad.

The president apprised the political leaders about the measures the government had taken to face any act of aggression. He assured the meeting that defence forces were fully prepared and in a state of alert to thwart any misadventure.

President Musharraf also informed the political leaders about his phone talks with US President George W. Bush, Secretary of State Colin Powell and other leaders who, he said, were appreciative of Pakistan’s policy of restraint.

The president said the United States wanted Pakistan to keep its western borders sealed so that the objective of war against terrorism could be achieved. Pakistan, he added, was maintaining a sizable force at its western borders. He said the troops keeping vigil on the western borders would be withdrawn only in case of any aggression by India.

He dispelled the impression that recent crackdown on Jaish-i- Muhammad and Lashkar-i-Tayyaba was the result of pressure by India or the US. He said it was part of the government’s policy to follow the United Nations resolutions.

Foreign Minister Abdus Sattar briefed the meeting about the situation in Afghanistan and his interaction with the leaders of newly formed government on the occasion of investiture ceremony in Kabul earlier this month.

He dispelled the impression that the Afghan government was inimical to Pakistan, saying all the functionaries of the interim government had expressed desire of establishing friendly relations with Pakistan.

The views of Mr Sattar were corroborated by Awami National Party chief Asfandyar Wali and Ajmal Khattak. Mr Wali had also visited Kabul with the official delegation to attend the swearing in ceremony of Karzai government.

Almost all political leaders present at the meeting took part in the discussion.

Winding up the meeting, the president thanked those who had attended the meeting and regretted that the PPP had opted to stay away. Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan, Gohar Ayub, Asghar Khan and some other leaders took the opportunity to criticize the PPP.

Rasool Bukhsh Paleejo raised the issue of water shortage in Sindh. He called upon the government to give up the Greater Thal Canal project.

Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan said the atmosphere of uncertainty gripping the country could be removed only through holding of elections and subsequent establishment of an elected government.

Former president Farooq Leghari, former prime minister Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi, MQM leaders Aftab Shaikh and Nasreen Jaleel, Illahi Bukhsh Soomro, PML (like-minded) president Mian Azhar, Gohar Ayub Khan, JUP chief Shah Ahmed Noorani, Mumtaz Bhutto, Ghinwa Bhutto, PML(Q) president Syed Kabir Ali Wasti, Ajmal Khattak, Asfandyar Wali, Hasil Bizenjo, Rasool Buhksh Paleejo, Asghar Khan, Allama Tahirul Qadri and a representative of Tehrik-i-Insaaf were among those attended the meeting.