LAHORE, Dec 10: Federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Mohammad Ali Durrani says the people of Balochistan have reposed full confidence in the leadership of President Pervez Musharraf and acknowledge his steps for the development of their province.

Talking to newsmen after launching a ‘Clean Pakistan Campaign’ here on Sunday, he claimed that thousands of Baloch, including women, at Musharraf’s recent public meetings in Quetta had expressed their full support to Pakistan, and they wanted it to be prosperous and strong. “They altogether rejected all forces which were by and large opposing the development process of the country,” he said.

The minister said an interim government would be formed according to the constitution, and the next general election would be held on time.

He also questioned the opposition’s claims on resignations, dictatorship within parties and one-party domination in their alliances. He said they would also expose the opposition before the masses during the election campaign.

Durrani said the government was keeping a constant liaison with all parliamentary parties and considering them in all matters.

The minister ruled out any deal or alliance with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), adding no citizen of Pakistan, including Asif Ali Zardari, was being implicated in fake cases.

To a query, he said President Musharraf had fulfilled all constitutional requirements, asserting that if anybody had any objection in this regard, he could move the courts. He claimed that the country’s courts were independent.

The minister said the present status of Dr Qadeer Khan was in the interest of Pakistan.

Answering a question, he said Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and the Sindh chief minister had discussed the Karachi island issue, adding all the stakeholders would be taken into confidence in this regard.

Earlier, the minister launched a ‘Clean Pakistan Campaign’ in Allama Iqbal Town.

The campaign was being launched by the National Volunteer Movement in collaboration with federal and Punjab governments in union councils 103 and 104.—APP