Islamabad: The confrontation between President Pervez Musharraf and Pakistan's Opposition has reached a flashpoint, with the General threatening to dissolve Parliament and hold fresh polls if the parties refuse to accept his constitutional amendments.

If the Opposition parties did not accept the Legal Framework Order (LFO) to legalise various amendments, then the August 27 elections would stand null and void and Parliament and Assemblies have to be dissolved and fresh elections held, Musharraf told reporters on August 26 night during a tour of Sindh Province.

Musharraf's comments come amidst intense speculation about open differences between him and Prime Minister, Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali in dealing with the Opposition agitation. Jamali reportedly wanted Musharraf to make some concessions to mollify the Opposition, while the President stuck to his stand to not quit as Chief of Army.

"The Opposition, which paralysed the Parliament for over 10 months has no choice but accept the LFO or face fresh polls," he said.

Musharraf reiterated that he would not quit as Chief of Army as demanded by the Opposition and said that he was allowed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan to amend the Constitution.

The remarks are also seen as a pressure tactic prior to the President's negotiations with the leaders of the six party alliance Muthahida Majlis Amal (MMA), expected soon, in a bid to end the prolonged political logjam.

PTI