Islamabad: In an apparent move to prevent former Premiers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif from coming back to power, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on July 6 passed an Executive order barring anyone seeking a third term as Prime Minister.

"Gen Pervez Musharraf in his capacity as 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 on July 6 said the two exiled leaders met after prayers in the holy city during Bhutto's trip there on July 4.

PTI