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  • Jan 1st, 2005
  • Comments Off on Opposition told not to disrupt law and order
The government on Friday defended the decision of President Musharraf to retain dual office, saying opposition was free to hold public meetings but warned it would not allow any one to disrupt law and order. At a news conference here, Federal Information Minister Sheikh Rashid argued that the announcement of General Musharraf to retain both the offices of president and army chief was in line with the Act of the Parliament.

Rashid said the president had made a promise to the nation not to Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) on shedding his uniform by the end of 2004.

The president, he maintained, explained his position in his Thursday's speech that why he has decided to remain in uniform and "We can understand his position," the minister added.

"The people who are against the uniform have in the past remained great supporter of a military ruler," Rashid remarked.

He insisted that the country, at this moment, needed continuity in the reforms initiated five years ago, adding any major change at this juncture would lead the country towards crisis.

Rashid, who is also the spokesman of the government, said that some groups were trying to destabilise Pakistan. Therefore, president in uniform was the "need of the hour," he contended.

Answering questions, he said opposition was free to take out public rallies and hold meetings but made clear that any disruption to the law and order would not be tolerated.

His warning came after two major opposition groups-Alliance for Restoration of Democracy (ARD) and MMA-had joined hands and declared January 1 as the "black day" to condemn the said decision of President Musharraf.

Asked to comment on MMA-ARD's joint struggle, he said if ever democracy suffered in Pakistan, MMA will be the biggest loser.

Rashid said on one hand opposition talked about the sovereignty of the parliament and at the same time was not ready to accept the verdict of National Assembly and Senate that permitted the president to hold dual office.

He said the president had extended an "olive branch" to the opposition by inviting them for negotiations and added, "Opposition should come forward and respond positively."

The Information minister stated in categorical terms that present assemblies would complete their term and the next general elections would be held in 2007.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2005


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