Musharraf rules out October retirement

Pakistan's military ruler General Pervez Musharraf announced yesterday that he had no intention of quitting the powerful post of army chief and that he would continue to hold office even beyond his retirement, due in October this year. "I am not going to retire in October," Musharraf told a news conference in the port city of Karachi, setting at rest all speculation about his retirement from the office he was inducted into by the Pakistan Muslim League government in October 1998. He also declined to comment on whether he wanted to become the president.

However, he renewed his pledge to hold parliamentary polls within the three year deadline set by the Supreme Court, which in May validated the military takeover The three-year tenure of Musharraf, who was appointed chief of the army staff by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, was to expire in October.

The general, who had superseded at least five of his senior colleagues at the time of his promotion, has two choices before him when he comes up for retirement – either to quit office or to extend his tenure and wear a second hat as the head of state in place of President Mohammad Rafiq Tarar.

Tarar was appointed the country's president by the outgoing administration. Asked whether his decision to wear civilian dress at the press conference was an indication he was going to shed his military garb, Musharraf tried to evade the question first. But then said, "No sometimes you do need to be in your normal self away from starched khaki. After all people tell me that I have to attend to civilian duties also. There is no implication in my being a lounge suit tonight".

When asked "Would you retire in October and would you be the president (of the country) also?" He said, "No, I am not retiring" adding "As for the presidentship, I don't want to comment on that". He, however, added that he and his associates had charted a mission and a strategy for themselves which is nation-rebuilding and reconstruction. The execution of that strategy will determine his future course of action.

He promised to hold elections for National and Provincial Assemblies in October next year.
He avoided answering questions about restoring the parliament he had suspended immediately after the coup in 1999. "You will know when the time comes." Musharraf reaffirmed his desire to give a level playing field to political parties at the time of general elections.

Political parties (including the PPP and the PML-N)) will be free to contest and whosoever wins will be inducted into authority, he said. "I am very clear on that. I have nothing to worry about winners or losers. It is for the people of Pakistan to decide. They are the best judge. I am not going to disqualify any political party," he said in answer to question whether PPP or the PML-N will be allowed a free hand during the polls.