ISLAMABAD, Aug 29 Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Saturday tried to dispel the impression that he opposed the trial of former president Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf.

The premier said that in his statements on the subject he had merely underlined the need for taking “our coalition partners on board ... on the issue”. He also acknowledged that his party differed with “one or more coalition partners” on the ex-general's trial under Article 6 of the Constitution.

Speaking at a press briefing on the Gilgit-Baltistan political package, Mr Gilani said he had only spoken of a move supported by all coalition partners.

However, the prime minister is on record as saying that the PPP and the PML-N differ on ways to put Gen Musharraf on trial. He has also been quoted as saying that his party wants a unanimous parliamentary resolution before initiating the case, while the PML-N wants the government to take immediate steps in accordance with constitutional provisions.

Commenting on the so-called 'minus-one formula', Mr Gilani said “There is no (scope for) such a formula in democracy.

“My government's detractors should know that we have been given a mandate to rule for five years and we will fulfil this responsibility.”

The premier did not offer a direct response when a journalist asked him about reports of private American security agents roaming around in cities and meeting local security personnel. He said “Rest assured you are in safe hands.

“All institutions, including security agencies, are working with a sense of responsibility.”

When asked about disclosures by some former intelligence officials about 'funding' of some politicians, Mr Gilani said “the campaign” was aimed at discrediting politicians in order to weaken the democratic set-up in the country.

The prime minister invited the media personnel to advise his government whether or not the campaign should be taken seriously.