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Musharraf passes executive order
barring third term as PM

K J M Varma in Islamabad

In an apparent move to prevent former premiers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharief from coming back to power, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on Saturday passed an executive order barring anyone seeking a third term as prime minister.

"General Pervez Musharraf in his capacity as the chief executive passed an order barring anyone from becoming the prime minister a third time," state television reported.

The decision followed reports of a meeting between Bhutto and Sharif in Jeddah to chalk out a strategy to oust the military ruler and contest the October general elections.

The report quoting the order said anyone who has held the office of the prime minister and that of the provincial chief minister twice would not be qualified to hold the same post a third time.

Both Sharif and Bhutto have served two terms as prime minister.

Media reports said the two exiled leaders met after prayers in the holy city during Bhutto's trip there on Thursday.

They decided to launch a joint movement to oust Musharraf and use their influence in the US and European Union to achieve this end, the Daily Times said.

The two leaders also agreed that Pakistan Peoples Party led by Bhutto and the faction of the Pakistan Muslim League of Sharif should contest the party-based polls and make seat adjustments in some constituencies.

PTI

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