Gilani has no problem with President Musharraf

Islamabad, Apr 26 : Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that his government didn't have any problem from President Pervez Musharraf, as the latter had brought pro-democracy forces into power, and had earlier himself doffed off his uniform.

"He has been President for eight years. He has willingly doffed his uniform. And, he has recently conducted an election; one that has brought pro-democracy forces into power. I don't think we will have any problem from him," The Nation quoted the Prime Minister as saying.

According to the paper, Gilani said in response to a question regarding the possibility of the President Musharraf's use of the infamous Article 58-2b to dissolve the parliament in case the deposed judges are restored.

The Prime Minister further said that the conciliatory attitude towards the President did not stop there, and that one has to look at the context and history of the Article. It is based on intentions, i.e. when it is not to be used, it won't be used. Even when it is, it doesn't stop there.

Citing the example of the Nawaz Sharif government, he said: "The Supreme Court ruled in favour of Nawaz Sharif when his government was dissolved by the then President Ghulam Ishaq Khan. We don't believe the President has any intention of using the clause."

He added: "The people gave us our mandate for the restoration of the Constitution. We will have to respect that. And so does the President."

ANI