I stand by my Nov. 3 actions: Musharraf

ISLAMABAD — President Pervez Musharraf has said he stood by his November 3 steps against judges of superior courts because these saved the democratic process from being derailed.
“I still stand by the steps taken by me with reference to deposed judges,” Musharraf was quoted as having told PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain who called on him at the Army House, adding: “Had I not taken these steps, there would have been no democracy in the country.” The meeting with Chaudhry Shujaat took place against the backdrop of increasing signs of deep fissures within the four-party coalition government, in particular the widening gap between two major partners — the PPP and PML-N. Musharraf and Shujaat discussed at length a set of issues including the evolving political situation in the country and possible new alignments if PPP and PML-N part ways. Musharraf said the country was facing countless challenges and “we will have to counter them in unison rather than pursuing the path of confrontation so that we may move forward successfully”. He said he was constitutionally elected president and he would perform his obligations for five years in line with law and the constitution. He said he will continue to extend support and work with the new government within the parameters of constitution.