Martial law to be imposed if PPP-government talks fail: Rashid

Pakistans Minister of Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said that failure of the talks between the government and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) could result in the imposition of martial law in the country.

Islamabad, Aug 31 : Pakistan's Minister of Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said that failure of the talks between the government and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) could result in the imposition of martial law in the country.

He said that President Pervez Musharraf had not reached an agreement with PPP chief Benazir Bhutto on the issue of giving up uniform.

"The President himself would decide about doffing his uniform," the Daily Times quoted Rashid, as saying.

Rashid said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Quami (PML-Q) supported Musharraf and added that only those people were leaving the party who believed that they would not get party tickets.

He said all major issues with the PPP had been settled except the third-time premiership and the retention of Article 58(2)(b) of the Constitution, which would be resolved in the next few days.

Rashid said Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) General Secretary Fazlur Rehman was set to play an important role in the next government.

ANI