Pakistan

Musharraf calls for reconciliation on independence day

Article published on the 2008-08-14 Latest update 2008-08-14 11:24 TU

Pakistani President Musharraf
(Photo : Reuters)

Pakistan is observing its 61st independence day amid tight security after a sucide-bombing overnight killed at least seven people. Another protester was shot dead Thursday by police. President Pervez Musharraf appealed for "a reconciliatory approach", as the main political parties try to impeach him. At a function on the eve of independence day, the Pakistani leader said that there was a "conspiracy" to weaken the country.

In an apparent appeal to his political opponents who are preparing to impeach him, Musharraf called for political reconciliation in Pakistan.
  
"It's my appeal that we should adopt a reconciliatory approach so that stability should return," he said.
  
"Because if there is stability we can fight terrorism, if we have a strong economy we can fight terrorism, and we should all put aside our differences and work to make Pakistan strong."

Musharraf's appeal came after legislators in southern Sindh province became the third of Pakistan's four provincial assemblies to approve a motion calling on Musharraf to face a vote of confidence or else be impeached.
  
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani also called for national unity, but excluded Musharraf from his appeal and called his rule before this year's election a "one-man dictatorship".

"The period of oppression is over forever," he said. "Dictatorship has become a story of the past."

Meanwhile the violence continued as a suicide-bomber blew himself up outside a police station in Lahore killing at least seven people.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility but security officials said they think the blast was in revenge for an offensive against pro-Taliban fighters in the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan.