Wednesday, Apr 17, 2002
Wednesday, Apr 17, 2002 |
| International | ||
|
News:
Front Page |
National |
Southern States |
Other States |
International |
Opinion |
Business |
Sport |
Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary | International
By B. Muralidhar Reddy
Addressing a press conference here, Gen. Musharraf declined to answer questions on the probable scenario if he lost the referendum. "I would not like to speculate on the probability. Let me assure you that in such a scenario, I will take a decision in the supreme interest of the country.'' To a specific question on whether his Government was contemplating partyless elections to the National and Provincial Assemblies, Gen. Musharraf said that as of now, the idea had not been discussed in any forum. He expected a harmonious National Assembly to emerge once he won the referendum with a good majority. He clearly indicated that he was convinced of his victory and expressed his unhappiness with a section of the press over their projection of attendance in his public rallies. While apologising for the lathicharge on journalists at Faisalabad three days ago when they were walking out in protest against some anti-press remarks by the Punjab Governor, he categorically ruled out the Governor's replacement. "If you expect freedom of expression, how can you deny the same to others,'' he asked.
"It's them or me''
Gen. Musharraf maintained that he had no quarrel with either the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), led by Ms. Bhutto or the Pakistan Muslim League led by Mr. Sharif. But they had no place in Pakistan politics. "The choice is between them and me. It is very clear.'' "Either you are with me or with them'' was the curt message conveyed to the supporters of the former Premiers. No question was more important and crucial for Pakistan than the issue of his continuation as the President and the reform process initiated by him. "The Constitution clearly provides for referendum on issues of national importance,'' he said. The referendum was meant to remove the climate of uncertainty and doubts. "Even in the United States, the President is refereed to as the lame duck President six months before his tenure ends. Am I a lame duck President? This is the question I want the people to answer.'' In response to a question on the internal and external threats faced by Pakistan, Gen. Musharraf said Pakistan would not buckle under any pressure because of the mobilisation of forces across the border. In another referendum-related move, the Pakistan Cabinet met to ``review the progress'' of the referendum campaign and expressed satisfaction over the ``overwhelming response of the general public'' to it. The meeting was presided over by Gen. Musharraf. An official statement said this was manifested in the huge people turnout at the referendum rallies. The Cabinet was of the view that welfare-oriented policies had started benefiting the people and that the `common man' wanted the policies to continue so that no future Government could undo these reforms. The Cabinet resolved to continue with the policy of economic revival and providing relief to the common man. It was also observed that with the formation of local government system (after the partyless elections last year), the country has started picking up roots and was functioning in the manner envisaged. Meanwhile, in an interview to a Pakistani daily, Ms. Bhutto asserted that she was determined to return to Pakistan and fight for `democracy.'
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail
News:
Front Page |
National |
Southern States |
Other States |
International |
Opinion |
Business |
Sport |
Miscellaneous |
|
|
|
The Hindu Group: Home | About Us | Copyright | Archives | Contacts | Subscription Group Sites: The Hindu | Business Line | The Sportstar | Frontline | Home |
Copyright © 2002, The
Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of
this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of
The Hindu
|