Musharraf as civilian President could stay in charge of army: Benazir

Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has said that she is willing to have a working relationship with General Pervez Musharraf, who could stay in charge of the army as President if he sheds his uniform.

Washington, Aug 24 : Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has said that she is willing to have a "working relationship" with General Pervez Musharraf, who could stay in charge of the army as President if he sheds his uniform.

Bhutto in an interview with former CBS news anchor Dan Rather indicated that two of the "confidence-building measures" that she is waiting for from Musharraf are: Lifting of the ban on a third term for Prime Ministers and "indemnity for holders of public office prior to 2001".

Commenting on Musharraf's uniform and power sharing deal him," Bhutto said, "The president of our country under the Constitution is the commander-in-chief. So even if Musharraf leaves the Chief of Army post and is legally elected President, he would still continue to be in charge of the military, or any President, even if he is a civilian."

Bhutto said Pakistanis feel that the military is not just defending the country's frontiers, but that it is becoming a political party.

And, therefore, for the internal cohesion of Pakistan, it is very important for us to demarcate the role of our armed forces in our society, she added.

Replying to the question if she would be open to some arrangements by which Musharraf could remain in charge of the military, Bhutto said that the President of Pakistan would be de facto in-charge of the military.

She added that if Musharraf sheds his uniform and has the support of other political parties, then he would continue as the de facto commander-in-chief of the military.

Bhutto wanted Musharraf to reach an understanding with politicians and declare a package of reforms, and said that the time for that is running out.

She later said that her deadline for that is the end of August.

ANI