ISLAMABAD, June 1: Amid growing opposition to his policies, especially his move to suspend Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhary, President Gen Pervez Musharraf received full support from the army at a conference of corps commanders here on Friday.

“The conference took serious note of the malicious campaign against institutions of the state, launched by vested interests and opportunists who are acting as obstructionist forces to serve their personal interests and agenda even at the cost of flouting the rule of law,” a statement issued by the ISPR said on Friday.

The statement warned that any attempt by a ‘small minority’ to obstruct aspirations of a ‘vast majority’ would only derail the nation from its path of progress and prosperity.

“The Pakistan Army is committed to lend full support towards realisation of the vision set by the president for a dynamic, progressive and moderate Islamic state,” the statement said.

“The president appreciated unstinted support of the participants and assured them that nobody will be allowed to bring instability in the country,” the statement said.

Participants of the conference strongly reaffirmed Pakistan Army’s support for the continuity of government’s domestic and foreign policies.

The participants reiterated support for the role of the president and the COAS in the ongoing reform process.

“The corps commanders and principal staff officers of the Pakistan Army affirmed to stand committed for the security of their country under the leadership and guidance of the president and the COAS. It was resolved to ensure that the nation continues on the path of socio-economic development and carries on its mission to rid society of the scourge of extremism.”

The statement said that the commanders also noted positive developments in the field of socio-economic progress and efforts being made to promote tolerance and moderation in society.

Informed sources said that the conference discussed a number of important issues with special reference to forthcoming general elections and the election of the president. The president, according to sources, said that nobody would be allowed to undermine the present system because there was democracy in Pakistan, media was free and a parliament was functioning.

The sources said that issues concerning Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry, the May 12 events of Karachi and the developing political situation were also discussed at the meeting.

When contacted, ISPR Director-General Maj-Gen Waheed Arshad said that all important issues had been discussed by the commanders.