President Pakistan Muslim League Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain on Wednesday ruled out any possibility of martial law in the wake of recent political turmoil but said several options including extension of the tenure of assemblies were still open.
"There is no possibility of martial law. Neither this is acceptable to the president nor anybody else," Shujaat said in response to a question at a news conference here at Punjab House. He was flanked by Women Development Minister Sumaira Malik and Education Minister Javed Ashraf Qazi, as they announced to establish UAE-sponsored international standard educational institution in Islamabad for Lal Masjid students and 2005 earthquake affectees.
When asked, former premier denied giving advice of imposition of emergency. "I did not advice the president to proclaim emergency and extend the tenure of the assemblies for one year. I say that there is the provision (imposition of emergency) in the Constitution and any option can be exercised if the situation arises."
To a question about President Musharraf's re-election, Shujaat Hussain said it would be held according to the Constitution. He conceded there were differences of opinion in the ruling Pakistan Muslim League but all the issues would be resolved amicably.
He maintained that PML has yet not made any decision about its candidate for the prime ministership following the coming polls. Shaukat Aziz, he continued, himself has contradicted the statement that he was a definite candidate for the top slot in next setup as well.
Responding to a query about the Benazir-Musharraf parleys, former Prime Minister said no deal has been materialised yet adding that withdrawal of corruption cases against PPP chairperson depends upon the fate of deal.
Shujaat told reporters that the government was not pondering over any constitutional amendment to undo the condition of becoming prime minister not more than twice. Earlier, he briefed newsmen that the United Arab Emirates would establish an educational institution of international standard in Bhara Kahu for Lal Masjid students and affectees of 2005 earthquake.