ISLAMABAD, 18 September 2007 — Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf plans to quit as army chief to become a civilian leader, removing a main objection to his proposed re-election in October, a senior ruling party official said yesterday.
“We expect that after his re-election process next month, God willing, Gen. Musharraf would take his oath of office as a civilian president before Nov. 15,” Sen. Mushahid Hussain Sayed, secretary-general of the Pakistan Muslim League (Q), told Reuters.
US ally Musharraf retained the post of army chief after he took over in a military coup in 1999, despite calls from the opposition to quit the dual office.
His acquiescence could be seen as a victory for Benazir Bhutto, who has said that any power-sharing arrangement with Musharraf would depend, among other things, on him becoming a civilian president.
Giving up the army role would undoubtedly dilute Musharraf’s power in a country that has been ruled by generals for more than half the 60 years since it was founded.
But aides say Musharraf has been reconciled to quitting the army for months.
Sen. Mushahid said Musharraf would abide by the constitution and quit the army before the end of 2007. Musharraf’s term as president expires on Nov. 15.
“Yes, I have no doubt that the president will keep his commitment,” said Mushahid, who recently met Musharraf.
“He is clear on this issue.” The United States is keenly watching the fate of Musharraf, as instability in a nuclear-armed state where Al-Qaeda militants are based and from where Taleban insurgents are fighting Western forces in Afghanistan could have far-reaching consequences.
Neighboring India is also monitoring events in Pakistan, with a peace process between the rivals still to yield substantial results after more than three years.
Before quitting the army, Musharraf plans to seek another five-year term as president from the sitting Parliament by Oct. 15, Mushahid said. A general election is due by mid-January.
