ISLAMABAD, 31 December 2004 — Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf formally told the nation yesterday that he would stay on as army chief after controversially breaking an earlier promise to hang up his uniform by the year’s end.

Musharraf, who took power in a bloodless coup in 1999 and has since become a key ally in the US war on terror, gave his reasons for keeping his military and civilian roles in a television and radio address.

“I have decided to retain both the offices,” he said.

Last December, Musharraf had promised to shed his military uniform by Dec. 31, 2004, in return for the support of the six-party opposition alliance, Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) in adopting the controversial 17th amendment bill, also known as the Legal Framework Order (LFO).

The LFO gave Musharraf sweeping powers that includes dismissal of the government and dissolution of the National Assembly.

However, he indicated early this year he might renege on the commitment, which prompted the pro-Musharraf ruling coalition of Pakistan Muslim League (Q) to push through new legislation allowing him to retain both the presidency and the army chief’s office.

Musharraf had also indicated he would go back on the promise in a short television interview earlier this month, saying he would give his reasons in his national address.

Wearing a sober gray suit and a blue shirt and tie for yesterday’s 50-minute speech, he said the opposition had tried to capitalize on the debate over his army status.

“I know that uniform is a non-issue for the people of Pakistan. They (the opposition) are doing it to take political mileage out of it,” he added.

However, he extended a “hand of friendship” to opposition parties, saying he wanted to create a bright future for the country.

Musharraf said: “The two top democratic institutions of the country, the Senate and the National Assembly have passed the bill that I should continue to hold two offices.”

The MMA, which has already started an anti-Musharraf campaign with public rallies, has also proclaimed Jan. 1 a “black day”.

Musharraf said the constitution permitted him to keep both offices until 2007 and that he would not violate it.