Musharraf says he'll work closely with new Pak govt

ISLAMABAD: Striking a conciliatory note ahead of a possible showdown with the new Pakistan government, President Pervez Musharraf has said he will work closely with the future administration in the interest of the country. Musharraf, whose allies suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of his opponents PPP and PML-N in the February 18 polls, said he had delivered on his promise of holding free, fair and peaceful elections.

"I will continue to move on the path of reconciliation for the better future of the country," he said during meetings with caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Abdul Qadir Halipota and caretaker Interior Minister Hamid Nawaz Khan yesterday. He renewed his commitment to work closely with the new government in the interest of the nation. A coalition led by the PPP of slain former premier Benazir Bhutto and PML-N is set to form government next week.

During his meeting with the Interior Minister, Musharraf reviewed the law and order situation in the country. He said extremists and terrorists cannot be allowed to destabilise Pakistan and pledged to continue the fight against these elements. Musharraf directed Khan to step up security for foreigners in the country.