Islamabad: Islamist and pro-regime parties in Pakistan on November 13 appeared close to striking a deal on government formation amidst reports that President Pervez Musharraf has agreed to make "some concessions" in the controversial Constitutional amendments.

The six religious parties, which have formed an alliance called Muttahida Majlis-e- Amal (MMA), and the Grand National Alliance (GNA) of pro-regime parties have finalised a draft on proposed changes which has been sent to Musharraf on November 12.

Shujaat Hussain, leader of one of the main constituents of GNA, Pakistan Muslim League-Qaide Azam, after holding talks with MMA leaders said Musharraf has agreed to make "some concessions" to the Legal Framework Order which hands powers to the President to dissolve Parliament and also give the military a firm role in politics.

Describing it as a breakthrough, Hussain hoped the "concessions" would help convene the National Assembly session at an early date.

He, however, declined to give details of the deal being negotiated with the MMA. "I cannot specifically tell you everything right now...you will have to wait... but I can certainly inform you that differences over Article 58 (2) B have been removed," he was quoted as saying.

The Article grants the President powers to dismiss the Prime Minister and Parliament.

PTI