President Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Monday underscored the importance of political unity for continued focus on translating economic development into tangible benefits for the common man. Addressing senior leaders of Pakistan Muslim League at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the two leaders said elected representatives have a vital role to play in realising the objective of sustainable socio-economic progress at the grassroots level. The President reiterated his firm commitment to the democratic process and democracy in the country. He stated that local government elections would take place this year in July/August while general elections would be held in 2007. Musharraf emphasised that senior leaders of the party should dispel any misperceptions regarding disunity in the ranks of Pakistan Muslim league.
The two leaders underlined the importance of pursuing development policies for poverty alleviation, stating that inflow of foreign investment and creation of employment opportunities require consolidation of current economic policies for passing maximum benefits on to the people across the country.
"The benefits of development can reach common man more efficiently through political unity, stability and a focused approach by all on priority areas,' the President said.
Musharraf and Shaukat Aziz said the political leaders should work together for betterment of Pakistan, which is being seen as a role model for the Muslim world due to its moderate enlightened and forward-looking policies.
The President briefed the senior PML leaders about his visit to India last month and his parleys with the Indian leadership. He also exchanged views on important national issues.
In his remarks, Pakistan Muslim League President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain said there was unity in the party and it has been decided that regular meetings would be convened to foster harmony and unity on all issues.
The senior PML leaders expressed their appreciation and support for President Musharraf's policies aimed at overall development of the country.
Later, the participants of the meeting attended a lunch hosted by the President.
The meeting was attended by former Prime Minister, Mir Zafarullah Jamali, Chief Ministers of Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan, Governor NWFP, Information Minister Sheikh Rashid, Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar, Minister for Religious Affairs Ejazul Haq, Minister for Information Technology Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis Senator Tariq Azeem, Minister of State for Petroleum Naseer Khan Mengal, PML Secretary General Mushahid Hussein Sayed, senior vice-presidents Gohar Ayub Khan, Abdul Majeed Malik, Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo, Asad Ali Junejo, Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind, Ms Mahnaz Rafi, Akram Zaki, vice-presidents Syed Kabir Ali Wasti, Mrs Yaqoot Jamilur Rehman, and Senators S. M. Zafar and Nisar Memon, Nisar Muhammad Khan, Ms Hameeda Khuhro, Fazal Agha and senior leaders including, Ms Nilofar Bakhtiar, Rehana Aleem Mashhadi, Syed Mahmood Hashmi, Imtiaz Ahmed Ranjha, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and Iqbal Dar.