Success of Present Govt is in National Interest: Musharraf

* President wants present govt to complete its term
* Says opportunists spreading false reports of his resignation
* Will continue to perform his duties as head of state

LAHORE: The present government should succeed as its continuance is in the national interest, President Pervez Musharraf said on Friday.

Speaking informally at a dinner hosted in his honour by Senator Nisar Memon in Islamabad, he said that he wanted to see the present government complete its tenure as it had the mandate of the people. According to Dawn News, he said he would extend full support to the government.

False reports: Musharraf said some opportunists were spreading false reports of his resignation, adding that he would continue to perform his duties as head of state. According to Express News, the president said the hub of his resignation rumours was Lahore, adding that one particular political party was provoking the people.

During the dinner, which was also attended by twenty senators belonging to the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid, Dawn News said the president urged the politicians to concentrate on national affairs.

Talking to Daily Times, Senator Memon said the participants of the meeting had condemned the ‘malicious’ campaign against the president. Referring to the PML-Nawaz without directly naming it, he said the people targeting the president were “those who do not recognise President Musharraf as president. They are the same people who keep changing their stance. They used to say they would not contest elections but later contested.” He said the president was playing his constitutional role and had no plans to resign. daily times monitor/staff report

Daily Times