The Hindu : International : Campaign in favour of Musharraf's continuation as army chief

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Apr 12, 2004

International

International

Campaign in favour of Musharraf's continuation as army chief

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, APRIL 11. The Pakistan Prime Minister, Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, has said that there was no need to be "impatient" on the issue of the President, Pervez Musharraf's continuation as Chief of the Army Staff.

Talking to journalists in Faisalabad, Mr. Jamali said the recent statement of the Interior Minister, Faisal Saleh Yahat, that Gen. Musharraf should continue as army chief in the national interest would be discussed.

Opposition parties paralysed Parliament last year demanding the withdrawal of the controversial constitutional amendments made by Gen. Musharraf as well as his occupying two posts. Just before the SAARC summit, a compromise was reached under which Gen. Musharraf agreed to quit the army by year-end.

The Interior Minister's remarks at a press conference three days ago that it was imperative to have a soldier president for the continuity of democracy have stirred up the controversy.

However, the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Raza Hayat Hiraj, said on Saturday that the President was bound to quit one of the offices by December 31, 2004 according to the Constitution.

However, Mr. Hiraj hastened to add that he was only stating the legal position.

Apparently, the key Ministers in the Jamali Government are building up a campaign in favour of Gen. Musharraf's continuation as army chief also. They say that his services are required in the national interest.

Gen. Musharraf's tenure as army chief ended in October 2001, and he extended his term in his capacity as President and COAS. However, in December last year, under an agreement with the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), he agreed to give up his uniform by year-end saying that in principle he was opposed to a person in uniform performing the role of President.

But he justified his continuation in two posts on grounds of expediency and national interest.

Diplomatic circles here feel that if Gen. Musharraf decides to give in to the requests of his supporters, there is bound to be some domestic opposition but it is not expected to be serious.

As for the international community, the United States and its allies would be only too glad as a lot has been invested in the leadership of Gen. Musharraf.

The continuation of Gen. Musharraf as army chief beyond December 31 would require an amendment to the Constitution.

As per the existing provisions, a person in military uniform/government service cannot be President. The provision at present stands suspended following an accord with the MMA.

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