LAHORE, Sept 19: It is in the national interest that President Pervez Musharraf retains the COAS office as it will ensure smooth functioning and stability of the democratic setup.

This was stated by Minister of State for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Mohammad Ali Durrani while speaking at the "Meet-the-Press' programme at the Lahore Press Club on Sunday.

The minister said the people wanted the president to keep both the offices to ensure the success of the present system. It was on record that those saying that the president should quit the COAS post had always supported leaders in uniform while their parties were in power.

Mr Durrani said the internal and geo-political situation of the region also warranted that President Musharraf kept both the offices. About the possibility of a joint ARD and MMA movement, he said, "they have divergent views on most issues while MMA is also stakeholder in the present system with its governments in two provinces. -APP