Islamabad: Opposition PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has rebuffed overtures from President Pervez Musharraf to step down in order to facilitate a move to unify various factions of the Pakistan Muslim League.

Musharraf believed the resignation of Hussain as PML-Q president would boost a move to merge the party with the PML-F led by Sindhi religious leader Pir Pagaro and also help in ushering in new leaders who would be more "friendly" to the ruling Pakistan People's Party, sources said.

However, Hussain rejected the move and even asked Musharraf during a meeting on Saturday about "concessions the PPP is offering in exchange for PML-Q's cooperation in the event of the PML-N pulling out" of the ruling coalition, sources told Dawn newspaper.

Reports have suggested that Musharraf's aides, including Inter-Services Intelligence chief Lt Gen Nadeem Taj and Tariq Aziz, have been holding secret parleys with the PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari to secure his position and to avoid possible impeachment.

Musharraf has reportedly indicated that he will give up his powers to dismiss the Prime Minister in order to be allowed to complete his full five-year term.

During a meeting held here yesterday, top PML-Q leaders reposed confidence in the leadership of Hussain. The PML-Q chief's cousin Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, who is leader of opposition in the National Assembly, told reporters that the party president's post is an elected one and no "promotions and transfers" could be made to it.

The PML-Q leaders were also of the view that any move to oust Hussain would weaken the party.

Source : PTI