ISLAMABAD, March 30: President Pervez Musharraf has said that he is very much interested in holding a referendum for himself to ensure continuity of his government’s reforms in the country.

“We have been told by the President that he is considering holding a referendum and we have decided to support him,” said the former minister for labour, manpower and overseas Pakistanis, Omar Asghar Khan, while talking to Dawn here on Saturday.

A four-member delegation, including Air Marshal (retd) Asghar Khan, held an-hour-long meeting with the President here on Saturday, and discussed with him various political and economic matters.

Mr Omar said while Gen Musharraf had spoken his mind about holding a referendum, he had been advised to explore other options to continue to be the President. “The President could get himself elected from the new assembly as well,” he added.

Answering a question, he observed that the President needed to stay in power for some more years in order to ensure continuity of his government’s policies.

“But we have told the President that he should assess all the pros and cons before finally deciding to hold a referendum for himself,” the former minister said.

If the President decided to serve the country for some more years, he would be able to offer some considerable relief to the common man, he said, adding that the issues relating to devolution plan and electoral reforms had also been discussed with President Musharraf. “We have also inquired from the President as to what kinds of amendments he is planning to make to the 1973 Constitution.”

The delegation, however, urged the President not to curtail the provincial autonomy by amending the Constitution. “We also asked the President to ensure that there is no unnecessary expenditure by the candidates in the general election.”

Mr Khan said the President had also been advised to address the genuine grievances of the provinces to avoid provincial disharmony.

Replying to another question, he said Gen Musharraf had told the delegation that there would be a free and fair elections in October. “We do hope that elections would be fair and nobody will be allowed to rig them,” he added.

The real problem was the implementation of policies in all the spheres of life, he observed, saying that the President had assured the delegation that labour, education and other reforms would be fully sustained.

ADDS APP: The President underlined the need for a political culture that ensured provincial harmony, economic stability and social equality in the country.

Later, talking to newsmen, Mr Khan appreciated the continuing process of consultations with political leaders on matters of national importance.