Musharraf regime close to an understanding with Benazir and Rehman

The Pakistan Government efforts to win over former premier Benazir Bhutto and MMA leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman seem to be close and it is being reported that a broad understanding between the three parties is on cards.

Islamabad, Sep 22 : The Pakistan Government efforts to win over former premier Benazir Bhutto and MMA leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman seem to be close and it is being reported that a broad understanding between the three parties is on cards.

Official sources here have revealed that contrary to the general perception of the negotiations between the government and the PPP having failed, talks between the two sides are still on.

The parleys are being held in secret with the full support of the US and the UK, one official said.

The PPP and the JUI-F are likely to abstain from the presidential vote.

An official source said that both parties took this important decision after being given firm assurances by the Musharraf's Camp through Washington that the General would step down as Army Chief soon after his re-election as President.

An opposition leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that the PPP and the JUI-F have decided to part ways with the rest of the opposition in order to avert a possible imposition of martial law and to ensure a safe transition to true democracy.

Meanwhile, Musharraf continues with his consultations, and is drawing up a strategy with his various political and constitutional aides about the scheduled presidential election.

The Attorney General of Pakistan, Malik Qayyum, and some ministers have met the President at his camp office in Rawalpindi.

They reportedly discussed the constitutional petitions being heard in the Supreme Court regarding the dual offices of Musharraf, The Nation reported.

ANI