World | Pakistan
Musharraf 'set to name new chief of staff'
Federal Minister for Parliamentary affairs Sher Afgan Niazi yesterday indicated that President Pervez Musharraf could relinquish his military uniform any time and nominate another army general as Chief of the Army Staff.
- By Wajid Ali Wajid, Correspondent
- Published: 23:49 July 30, 2007
Islamabad: Federal Minister for Parliamentary affairs Sher Afgan Niazi yesterday indicated that President Pervez Musharraf could relinquish his military uniform any time and nominate another army general as Chief of the Army Staff.
In an exclusive interview to a private television news channel, Niazi said that the political deal reached between President Musharraf and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto would have long-term effects on national politics.
"The constitutional ban on Benazir Bhutto from being elected prime minister a third time can be removed within minutes on directions from President Musharraf because the PML(Q) and the PPP will jointly have a majority in both the Houses. If the clause against a prime minister seeking a third term is not removed, Benazir cannot contest elections because she had been declared ineligible under Section 63 of the constitution and the Supreme Court too had rejected her plea in this regard. Therefore, the understanding can help sort out her ineligibility," he said in response to a question.
Accent on moderates
In reply to another query, Niazi contended that the president's election could not be challenged in any forum or court and reiterated that the head of state would be reelected by the current assemblies.
He insisted that the President could be elected even in the event of the opposition resigning en-masse or the provincial assemblies being dissolved.
"The understanding between the PPP and President Musharraf was facilitated by the US and the UK which wanted moderate forces in power in Pakistan," he added.
Confirming the deal, he said it had come about after 12 different interactions between the two parties. "The president had taken Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain into confidence before he left for the UAE for the meeting with Benazir."
Niazi said that the president himself would have no say in the constitution of the cabinet.
"No decision has been taken to remove Shaukat Aziz and make Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain the prime minister, but Hamid Nasir Chatta would be a better candidate for the post in an interim set-up," he said.
He also called on the Federal Minister for Law, the Attorney General and the Law Secretary to resign taking responsibility for the failed reference against the Chief Justice.
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