Musharraf meets leaders of PML, discuss poll strategy

Islamabad, June 2 (UNI) As Pakistan's leading opposition parties called for an ''independent Election Commission and formation of a neutral national government'' for free and fair elections in 2007, President Pervez Musharraf met the top leaders of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (PML) to discuss the poll strategy.

He yesterday met PML president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, secretary general Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervez Elahi and several MPs.

During the meeting, Gen Musharraf discussed polls strategy and the upcoming federal budget for the year 2006-07, being presented on June 5, reported Pakistan Press International(PPI).

He pledged to introduce relief measures for the poor in the national budget.

The president called upon local governments to come forward and launch target-oriented development projects to ensure poverty alleviation and welfare of the poor masses.

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