Musharraf can be re-elected for second term, says AG

Islamabad, Aug 7 (UNI) Pakistan's Attorney General Malik Muhammad Qayyum has said that there was no legal or constitutional hitch in the way of President Pervez Musharraf's election for another term of five years by the existing assemblies.

It was for the first time that the chief law officer of the government expressed his views on the controversial issue.

Dawn newspaper today quoted him as saying in Islamabad that he would assist the Supreme Court strictly in accordance with the law and the constitution, if the issue of President's re-election was brought before the apex court.

Responding to a question about the cases against PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto in the context of the reported meeting of Gen Musharraf in Abu Dhabi and a possible deal with her, he said the prosecution could withdraw cases if it wanted.

''We will have to see whether the cases are compoundable or not.

Even if the cases are not compoundable, these can be quashed if the prosecution withdraws complaints,'' he remarked.

UNI