Musharraf hopes to have harmonious ties with Chief Justice

Islamabad, Aug 1 (UNI) Asserting that he desires ''harmonious ties'' with Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhary, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf said the Presidential reference against the former was his ''constitutional obligation''.

''We had family ties and hope to maintain same harmonious ties in future,'' Gen Musharraf said after launching 'The new look of PTV' here yesterday.

''It was my constitutional obligation to forward the reference to the Supreme Judicial Council. I always held the judges in highest esteem. I accept the judgement of the judiciary and honour it,'' he said referring to the Presidential reference and subsequent sacking of Justice Chaudhary.

The Chief Justice was suspended in March on charges of misconduct triggering a countrywide campaign against the move. The Supreme Court quashed the charges and reinstated Justice Chaudhary on July 20.

''Judiciary, Legislative, Executive and Media are the four pillars of the State. They need to coexist with harmony and conduct their roles without fear or favour,'' the President noted.

He asserted he was never for politicisation of the judiciary and decided all matters on merit.

While assuring that the country would have ''fair and transparent'' elections, Gen Musharraf called upon the media to take a ''balanced approach'' towards the process.

He also urged the media to exercise restraint while reporting on matters and incidents related to terrorism.

''The media must not convert terrorists into heroes. Report the news, but deny space to them,'' he said.

It was also media's responsibility to project the true spirit of Islam before the world, and promote the viewpoint that terrorists were not the true representatives of Islamic teachings, Gen Musharraf added.

UNI