Musharraf rules out national gov formation, change in poll date

Islamabad, Jan 14 (UNI) Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf today ruled out the formation of a national government or any change of date for the upcoming general elections in the country.

Addressing the Sindh cabinet, the president dispelled the rumours about a national government or a change of date for the polls and stated that such rumours were baseless.

He made it very clear that the elections would be held on the date already determined by the Election Commission of Pakistan and will take place under the caretaker government, the APP reported.

Mr Musharraf also talked about combating terrorism and said it would be controlled and if possible eliminated at the earliest.

He also spoke at length about the fallout and the occurrence of the assassination of Ms Benazir Bhutto, and said the losses the common man and the people of Pakistan, the government as well as the nation suffered was unacceptable and will not be allowed to recur.

Mr Musharraf asked the law enforcement agencies as well as the government to make sure that no such incident between now and the elections as well as after that takes place which disturbs the peace.

For this to be effective the law enforcement agencies must be pre-designated and briefed to take immediate action whenever such lawlessness is about to begin, he said.

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