Washington, June 27: With Pakistan parliament plagued by sustained government-opposition hostilities, President Pervez Musharraf has sought to allay fears that democracy in the country was in danger, saying business of government was going on smoothly and there was no need to "contemplate any drastic action". "The government had a simple majority and the business of government was being carried out. Therefore, to contemplate any drastic action, is unwarranted," he told reporters here.

Musharraf said the government had passed the national budget, laws were being enacted, though any amendment to the constitution was not possible due to lack of two-third majority.

"Ideal position could have been one in which there was a two-third majority, new ideas emerge and legislation to the extent of amendments were possible.

He, however, said the system was very much functional as the business of the government was being conducted in a democratic manner and there was no threat to the system.

Ruling out relinquishing power in the face of opposition agitation against his Constitutional amendments, he said: "I know the people of Pakistan want me to continue as the president of Pakistan. I have a firm grip on the nation's affairs".

Stating that "functional democracy is not easy to implement in Pakistan," he said: "There are anti-democratic forces waiting to take advantage of the democratic process to undo the reforms and restructuring my government has introduced in the last two years."

These forces want to "foist their narrow agendas up on the broad masses without their knowledge and consent and I will not let that happen," 'Dawn' quoted him as saying.

Bureau Report