LAHORE, Nov 13: The ruling party Senator S. M. Zafar says apprehension that opposition parties may unite to confront the government is gaining ground following the adoption of an Act by both houses of parliament, allowing President Musharraf to stay as army chief as well.

"This will be very unfortunate as if this happens the parliamentary traditions will not take off. Instead, they may receive a setback," he told Dawn on Saturday.

He was asked how would it be possible for President Musharraf to ensure continuity of his policies and a stable economy if the Alliance for Restoration of Democracy and the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal join hands to launch a movement against him, the two major reasons the general cites in favour of his dual office.

Senator Zafar, who had represented the ruling party in talks with the MMA in resolving the LFO controversy, said he was sanguine even at this stage that a way could be found to avoid confrontation between the two sides.

It was because of the PML-MMA talks that the 17th constitutional amendment was approved by parliament, reaffirming the presidency of Gen Musharraf and allowing him to head the army till the end of the year.

The ARD and the MMA have thrown their past differences behind for the sake of a movement against the president. A former law minister, Senator Zafar was sure that PML president Chaudhry Shujaat Husain would once again play a positive role to avert the likely confrontation.

Mr Zafar spoke to Chaudhry Shujaat by phone to inquire after his health and extend Eid greetings. The PML president is under treatment in the United States and is expected to return home soon.