Islamabad: Opposition parties in Pakistan's Senate today (Oct 28, 2004) protested a bill allowing General Pervez Musharraf to hold the dual posts of the President and the Army Chief, forcing the Speaker to adjourned the house.

The 100-member senate witnessed uproarious scenes with opposition lawmakers and Government ministers exchanging hot words over the procedures being adopted to pass the bill, which has already been approved by the 342 member National Assembly a few days ago, forcing the upper house's adjournment.

The bill described as "inadequate" by Commonwealth Secretary General, Don Mc Kinnon was aimed at warding off all legal hurdles for Musharaf to retain both the posts. Musharraf's term as President ends in 2007.

To delay the passage of the bill a senator from the Peoples Party, Safdar Abbasi suggested that it should be sent to the House Standing Committee for a review. It should be approved by a proper debate in the National Assembly.

Abbasi also accused the speaker of National Assembly of bulldozing the bill and warned the ruling coalition not to repeat the same process in the Senate.

Meanwhile, Minister for Law Wasi Zafar opposed the proposal and said that bill was properly discussed and passed by the National Assembly. The Minister's remarks infuriated the Opposition.

The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Q members alleged that PPP legislator, Raja Rabbani moved towards the Minister to assault him, but was prevented by his party colleagues from doing so.