ISLAMABAD March 27: The President, Gen Pervez Musharraf, on Wednesday hinted at introducing an effective check and balance system for all the three pillars of power, including president, prime minister and Chief of the Army Staff, as part of political reforms.

“There is a need for evolving an effective system and checks and balances among all power centres in the country. This issue will be addressed as part of the government’s political restructuring programme,” President Musharraf told a delegation of Muttahida Qaumi Movement at a meeting.

He assured the three-member delegation that parliamentary system of democracy as envisaged in the Constitution would be ensured. The delegation was led by Aftab Ahmad Sheikh, and included Nasreen Jalil and Sheikh Liaquat Hussain.

Gen Musharraf pointed out that in the light of the Supreme Court judgment, the government was empowered to make essential changes in the Constitution without changing its basic structure and spirit.

He said that he had noted the problems brought about by the delegation and would be visiting Sindh at an early date to personally analyze, examine and resolve them.

The discussions also focussed on various proposals under consideration for ensuring the continuity of reforms and process of political restructuring initiated by the government.

The delegation apprised the President about various problems and issues being faced by the people of urban and rural Sindh, with particular reference to water shortage in the country. They also apprised the President of the various steps taken by the MQM for the promotion of peace and tranquillity in Sindh during Ashura-i-Muharram.

The President expressed his deep appreciation of the contributions made by the MQM to the maintenance of peace and harmony among all segments of society during Muharram.

Later, talking to newsmen, Aftab Ahmad Shaikh said various options including that of holding a referendum were discussed during the meeting. He said in view of the sensitivities of these options, they would be placed before the Central Coordination Committee of the MQM for a decision.

The MQM would soon response to President Musharraf of its party position on presidential referendum and other related issues.—NNI