The announcement made in the Supreme Court was the first clear official statement that Pakistan's military leader plans to contest the upcoming election while in uniform, then relinquish it afterward.

Musharraf, who took power in a military coup in 1999 and has seen his popularity slide in recent months after a failed attempt to sack Pakistan's top judge, currently holds the office of both president and army chief. He is under growing pressure to stand down from the army post _ the main source of his power.

His current presidential term expires Nov. 15. He is expected to seek another five-term year in a vote by all provincial and national lawmakers by Oct. 15. Many experts say that retaining the army position into the next term would violate the Constitution.

"If elected for the second term as president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf shall relinquish charge of the office of the chief of army staff soon after election, but before taking oath of office of the president of Pakistan for the next term," government attorney Sharifuddin Pirzada Pirzada said.

Pirzada read the statement in the Supreme Court as it hears petitions that challenge Musharraf's holding of both offices and his eligibility for the presidential election.

Pirzada added that the Musharraf's nomination paper for the election would be scrutinized by the chief Election Commissioner "independently and in accordance with the law."

On Monday, the Election Commission announced a rule change that apparently opened the way for the general to seek a new presidential term without resigning first as army chief _ a move condemned by the opposition as a brazen violation of the Constitution.

Although critics will oppose Musharraf's retention of the uniform as he maneuvers to extend his rule, his decision to eventually step down as army chief is likely to be welcomed as a move toward greater democracy.

Subscribe to The China Post and save.  Click hereSharePrintEmail

Write a Comment

Enter your comments - 800 characters max

Receive China Post promos

Respond to this email