By NNN-APP
London : President Pervez Musharraf dismissed the impression that there will be any clash between the authority of the President and the Prime Minister following February 18 general elections.
The constitution and the law are very clear to this effect, and both organs of the State could perform their responsibilities independently, keeping the national interest supreme.
Addressing a huge gathering of Pakistani community at a jam packed local hotel here Friday night, he said there will be no problem for the majority party to form the government and elect its prime minister.
The PM, being a chief executive of the country will be empowered to run the affairs of the government, meeting national aspirations as well as maintaining the economic growth and the development achieved during the last seven years.
He expressed his confidence that a stable, moderate and honest government will come into power as a result of the democratic process. In case a single party would not be able to form the government, a coalition government could come into power, adding that he will be prepared to facilitate the process of forming the new future government.
While ruling out the possibility of further delaying the general elections, he said these are going to take place on the scheduled date. He said he could give a solemn commitment to the nation that polls will be held as per his commitment.
The President took a strong exception to the allegations of rigging, stating the election system was inherently fair and transparent. Those who talk about unfairness in the elections are doing it for their political purposes that also reflect the culture under which a losing party does not accept its defeat. He hoped that decency will prevail and the political parties would adopt forward-looking approach in strengthening the democratic process.
Pervez Musharraf recounted the economic achievements of his government, pointing that all economic indicators are favourable, showing upward trend in socio-economic development. He told the gathering that reduction of poverty, unemployment and inflation had been his top priority. The rate of poverty has been reduced from 35 percent to 24 percent. “We intend to further bring it down to 15 percent as soon as possible,” he added.
About the recent atta (flour) crisis in the country, he said it was a result of smuggling and hoarding. There was nothing wrong at the level of his government in policy making. He deplored that vested interests tried to play it up for political gains. Government deployed rangers to check mishandling of the atta supply and the situation has now almost come to normal.
The President highlighted the circumstances that led to imposition of emergency and the government’s decision in sending a reference to Supreme judicial Council (SJC) for taking stock of the charges levelled against him. He said extraordinary situation demanded extraordinary steps and he was left with no option but to impose emergency that was however lifted after 46 days.
The President warned that politics of agitation will not be allowed at any cost. The country he added cannot afford a state of anarchy and chaos. It was a duty of all the political parties to avoid confrontation leading the country towards lawlessness.
In regard to rapid economic progress that took place in the country in the recent years, he said there was a considerable headway in developing important sectors of national importance that include communication, information technology and water and power sectors. The sustainability of this growth will be a major challenge for the future government, he added.
The President advised the overseas Pakistanis to act as country’s ambassadors rejecting negative propaganda and stopping malicious campaign against his government. Most of the allegations levelled by his opponents were totally unfounded and have no basis whatsoever.
He assured that he would keep Pakistan’s interest high in all circumstances and would be prepared to extend his cooperation to all parties to achieve the desired results.
The President was given a standing ovation when he entered the hall amidst thunderous applause in favour of his policies and achievements during the last seven years.