General Pervez Musharraf has reiterated his determination to remain Pakistans president and Chief of Army Staff.
Islamabad, Aug.8 : General Pervez Musharraf has reiterated his determination to remain Pakistan's president and Chief of Army Staff.
According to the BBC, he is said to have told political allies that he intends to get re-elected as president by the four provincial assemblies and both houses of parliament.
President Musharraf assumed power in a bloodless coup in October 1999 when he was the army chief. He was later elected president for a five-year term in a controversial referendum held in 2002.
"The issue of the uniform will be discussed after the new assemblies have been elected," he is reported to have told a group of ruling legislators.
The issue of the president also being army chief is highly contentious in Pakistan. Opposition groups are adamant that he must vacate this position if he is to remain in power.
Musharraf was also quoted as telling the meeting that no exiled political leaders would be allowed to return to contest the elections, and that no electoral agreement would be reached with any party prior to the vote.
Analysts say that despite official denials, Musharraf has reached some understanding with opposition political groups.
ANI