Islamabad: Faced with intense opposition by mainstream political and religious parties, the military regime in Pakistan might withdraw some of the proposed Constitutional amendments but principal amendments would not be touched.

"With the passage of time President Pervez Musharraf himself feels that there is a need to withdraw various proposed Constitutional amendments," Pakistan Information Minister Nisar Memon has said.

The government will withdraw some of the proposed Constitutional amendments in the light of suggestions made by politicians, experts and intellectuals, he told reporters on July 18.

The minister, however, emphasised that while withdrawing certain proposals, principal amendments would not be touched and it would be ensured that the reform process was not compromised at any stage.

In separate meetings with Musharraf on July 18, as part of the President's consultative process to seek public opinion, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Awami National Party (ANP) questioned his authority to amend Constitution and asked him to leave the job to Parliament, the 'Dawn' reported on July 18.

Musharraf, accompanied by his team of experts including National Reconstruction Bureau chief Husain Naqvi, held discussions with the parties on the two Constitutional packages and political parties' order, the paper said.

MQM was represented by its Deputy chief convenor Afta Sheikh while the five-member ANP delegation was led by party president Asfandyar Wali.

"We at the very outset of the discussions, told the President that no individual could be allowed to amend the Constitution," Asfandyar said.

PTI