Musharraf seeking broad reconciliation

Islamabad, Jun 27 (UNI) Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf is seeking across the board reconciliation to surmount the challenges being faced by the country.

''The President has launched efforts to bring all the political forces on board under national reconciliation to steer the country out of the prevailing crises,'' The Nation today quoted well-placed sources as saying.

Mr Musharraf would start meeting leaders of different political parties soon after consulting friends, legal and political aides, including the leadership of the Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q).

''He is expected to hold a meeting soon with PML-Q leaders Chaudhry Shujjat Hussain and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, here at a dinner,'' the report said.

The purpose of the meeting is to evolve an adequate strategy to bring all political forces on board so that political, economic and security challenges faced by the country could be overcome collectively.

The meeting would deliberate on how the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leadership, which has been adamant in seeking the ouster of the President from his office, could be persuaded to come on board in the larger national interest.

PML-Q Parliamentary Leader in the National Assembly, Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat, called on Mr Musharraf at the Presidential Camp Office yesterday and discussed the political situation.

While talking to Mr Hayat, the President made it clear that he would not tender resignation under any pressure.

''I am a part of Parliament and want success of the democratic process in the country. I am not afraid of opposition from certain political parties and I will not resign under any pressure,'' he told the PML-Q leader.

UNI XC SKB AS1609