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Musharraf talks tough on "charter of democracy"

B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD: In his first reaction to the "charter of democracy" pact between Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has asserted that "those involved in corruption in the past" would not be allowed to return to power.

Talking to a group of ruling party representatives in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, Gen. Musharraf maintained that there is no future for "rejected and corrupt" politicians and people will not be lured by these elements at any cost. Without naming either of the two former premiers Gen. Musharraf alleged that rejected and corrupt politicians transferred national wealth to foreign banks and brought the country to the verge of economic crisis.

The tough talking by Gen. Musharraf is a clear indication that at the moment he is in no mood to give any space to either of the two former Prime Ministers and he has put the ball back in their court to decide their next course of action.

Political analysts here are of the view if Mr. Sharif and Ms. Bhutto are indeed serious about their pledges to join hands for their political space in Pakistan they should be ready to take some important political decisions. As the general elections are scheduled only in early 2008, it is expected to be a long drawn political battle for the two leaders.

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