ISLAMABAD, March 24: President Pervez Musharraf on Saturday said that economic achievements gained in the past seven years had provided a solid foundation for continued growth and prosperity in future.

According to an official announcement, the president was addressing a gathering of leading businessmen at a lunch hosted by prime minister at the Prime Minister's House.

The address of the president along with prime minister to a cross section of businessmen belonging to industry, trading and banking sectors, manufacturing and capital market seemed to be an attempt to woo their support in the upcoming election.

The president said the government was strong and stable and it would ensure continuity of policies so that the process of economic development moved ahead in an unhindered and smooth manner.

He said no one should try to politicise judicial matters as the government was committed to settling them in accordance with the provisions of the constitution.

He said the economy was in a strong shape and it had resulted in improving the lives of the people by generating jobs and reducing poverty.

He said prudent economics policies pursued by the prime minister and his team had put the country on the path of economic growth, adding that positive trends in the economy would be consolidated.

The prime minister said that Pakistan's economy was poised for continued growth as a result of economic reforms, stability and continuity of policies.