Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, January 03, 2004
Musharraf vows not to dissolve parliament
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf on Friday assured lawmakers that he would not exercise his discretionary powers to dissolve the national parliament and that the present parliament would complete its tenure.
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf on Friday assured lawmakers that he would not exercise his discretionary powers to dissolve the national parliament and that the present parliament would complete its tenure.
Addressing the nation over radio and television networks, the president assured that it would be his responsibility to ensure the continuation of sustained democracy.
Three parliaments in Pakistan were dissolved in 10 years and noparliament has completed its five-year term since 1971.
Under the Pakistani constitution, the president has the power to dissolve the parliament. However, under an agreement reached between opposition Islamic groups and Musharraf last month, after dissolution of the parliament, the president must submit it to theruling of the Supreme Court.
The 17th Constitution Amendment Bill passed after an agreement made General Musharraf to quit as army chief by the end of 2004.
Musharraf took a vote of confidence from the parliament on Thursday, which extends his tenure up to 2007.
"The vote of confidence in me by the Parliament and four provincial assemblies is historic," Musharraf said.
Musharraf asked the opposition to listen and understand the voice of two-thirds majority and play a constructive role in the parliament.