Islamabad: Much on expected lines, the talks between Pakistan government and the Opposition over the legality of Pervez Musharraf's Presidency and his controversial Constitutional amendments have failed to resolve the deadlock on the main issue, whether the President should continue to retain the post of the chief of the Army.

A 11-member special committee concluded its talks on May 9 without reaching any agreement on the issue whether Musharraf should continue to be President and chief of Army.

The Opposition, which declined to accept Musharraf's election through a referendum last year, wants him to quit as chief of Army as a compromise, but he declined to do so far.

After week long talks, both sides said that major differences have arisen over the timeframe in which Musharraf would quit as chief of Army. The Opposition wants him to quit the post by middle of next year, but he wants the timeframe to be left to him.

An official press release issued on May 9 night said, "Members of the committee unanimously decided that more deliberations were necessary on the proposals so far advanced by the two sides and for this the ruling alliance and the combined Opposition would seek advice from their party leaders. For this purpose the proceedings of the committee be postponed till 4.30 pm on Monday, May 12."

Commenting on the committee's proceedings, Hafiz Hussain Ahmed, deputy Parliamentary leader of the Islamist alliance Muthahida Majlis Amal (MMA), who took part in the talks, said the committee would prepare its recommendations incorporating Opposition demands.

PTI