President dismisses reports about his resignation as speculative: Musharraf

ISLAMABAD : President Pervez Musharraf Thursday dismissed the reports about differences with the army and his resignation as part of a malicious campaign to create unrest in the country. Speaking here at a dinner reception hosted in honour of outgoing Governor Punjab Lt Gen Retd Khalid Maqbool, here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the President said “the rumour mongers wish to create differences between him and the Army.
The President was referring to a news report about his meeting with Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani Wednesday night that claimed that they discussed his resignation.
President Musharraf said the speculative reports caused loss of billions as stocks plunged, causing panic among the business circles.
The President said this trend must not continue as it was damaging for the country’s economy and a threat to foreign investment.
At the dinner that was attended by Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Minister for Defence Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar, Khurshid Shah, Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mehmood Ahmed, the four governors, the President said he fully supports the Prime Minister in his endeavours for running the affairs of the country smoothly.
“I believe in a policy of conciliation, rather than that of confrontation,” President Musharraf said and added the elements who were spreading rumours in the country did not believe in the policy of Pakistan first.
The President said he has met the army chief several times, since he assumed the command of the army to discuss professional issues and matters of mutual interest. He said his recent meeting was also part of this routine.
The President paid rich tributes to the outgoing governor Khalid Maqbool and lauded his contribution to national projects, particularly in the socio economic sector.
He described Maqbool as a meticulous man dynamic man with lots of qualities.
He appreciated his unflinching support and contribution towards national causes and the work done for the uplift of the poor and underdeveloped sectors. He also wished him well in his future endeavours.
The President also welcomed the new governor Salman Taseer and wished him well on his new assignment. He expressed the hope that he will serve the masses with zeal and contribute to the nation building effort.