President vows to back coalition Govt
says Assemblies to be convened within a week or two

JACOBABAD—Clarifying that there is no gap between Army and him, President Pervez Musharraf on Friday underlined that sessions of National Assembly and Provincial Assemblies sessions will be called in next two weeks. New assemblies will complete their full five-year term, President expressed these views while addressing inaugural ceremony of the project of potable water supply to Jacobabad city on Friday President said that approximately Rs 1.2 billion would be spent on the project adding that long-awaited problem of people would be resolved with the new project.
He was of the view that some people want to create hurdle in smooth development in country, however we know the hands behind it urging that no one can stop us from development of the country. He said that undoubtedly we will continue war against terror, however unified efforts are required to wipe off the menace from the country. He termed the recent polls (February 18) as free, fair and transparent adding that he has fulfilled his promises made to masses in this regard.
President Musharraf said the victory of moderate elements in 18 February 2008 election will help eliminating extremism adding that Majority Party is free to formulate Government. There is no vacuum whatsoever between me and Army adding that he has served Pakistan Army for 47 years, he pointed. “ Jawans know me and I know them very well, we share a close relationship”, he said. He expressed the hope that new Government will work in the right direction that is for the uplift for the down-trodden masses of the country. He made it clear that sessions of National Assembly and Provincial Assemblies sessions will be called in next two weeks.
Earlier, President was given a cordial and warm welcome when he arrived in Jacobabad, Caretaker Prime Minister Muhammadmian Soomro welcomed him. On the occasion, PM said that Government is taking pragmatic measures to solve the lingering problems of masses. The problem of acute shortage of potable water in Jacobabad city has been solved with the inauguration of said project, which was completed at the cost of Rs 1.2 billion. President Pervez Musharraf said Friday he would summon the National Assembly session in a week or two and the coalition government would get his fullest support. Addressing a gathering here at the inauguration of a Rs 1.25 billion water supply scheme, the President said it was vital for the political parties to focus efforts on formation of a stable government for next five years. “I will fully support the new government,” the President said. He termed it a positive development that the people elected the moderates and rejected extremists particularly in NWFP. He said, “Now we must concentrate on sustaining the economic growth and continue the fight against extremism and terrorism,” the President said.
The President also dispelled the impression of differences with the army, being cast by vested interests. He said there was a need for strong governments both at the federal and provincial levels for the next five years to achieve this objective. He said the world has acknowledged the holding of free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections. The President said people should now hold those accountable who levelled baseless allegations about massive rigging in the Feb 18 polls. He said he was fully supportive of an independent and free media.