Musharraf ready to give up sweeping powers: Pak minister

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf is said to have agreed to give up his sweeping powers in an understanding with former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

London, Aug 15 : Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf is said to have agreed to give up his sweeping powers in an understanding with former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

According to Minister of State for Information Technology, Ishaq Khan Khakwani, Musharraf had agreed to get his sweeping powers available to him under the infamous Article 58(2)b to dissolve the assemblies and dismiss the sitting prime minister, clipped after his secret meeting with Benazir in Abu Dhabi last month.

"Yes, I can confirm on the basis of my own information that the President had given his consent to get rid of his powers as a result of his understanding with BB (Benazir) during their meeting at Abu Dhabi," Khakwani was quoted by The News, as saying.

Khakwani further claimed that as part of the broad understanding between the two leaders, Benazir had given consent to facilitate the re-election of Musharraf in uniform, as against the general perception being given to the public and the media.

Under the proposed arrangement, the PPP would be given a level-playing field, and it would be considered a kind of favour to the party if free and fair elections are held, he added.

However, a top PPP leader denied that Benazir has agreed to the re-election of Musharraf in uniform. Another leader claimed that the party position was very clear on this issue that it would not accept Musharraf in uniform.

ANI