Musharraf says he may seek a third presidential term

Rawalpindi, Oct 13:Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf has said that he could even amend the Constitution to seek a third presidential term.

Rawalpindi, Oct 13:Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf has said that he could even amend the Constitution to seek a third presidential term.

"Musharraf did not rule out seeking a third five-year stint as president even if that did mean changing the constitution, " the BBC reported.

"If the people want to change it, they have a right to," said Musharraf, adding, "Who knows what will happen after five years."

He said that before doing anything else, the troops, that were captured by the pro-Taliban militants in August in South Waziristan near the Afghan border, should have made it sure that "they occupied the heights and dominated the position".

"I think they acted unprofessionally in that they were trying to clear a roadblock without taking any precautionary measures," Musharraf added.

Speaking about former premier Benazir Bhutto's return to Karachi on October 18, Musharraf said, "I have sent messages that she should delay her return."

When asked if he would try to prevent her return if she ignored his advice, he said: "No, that is not the case, but I would urge her not to."

Commenting on the amnesty granted to Benazir by the National Reconciliation Ordinance, Musharraf said, "Whatever is covered by the (reconciliation) ordinance is covered. We will abide by that document strictly."

There is also the issue of the time period (1986-1999) covered by the ordinance. Some of the allegations against Benazir relate to events after 1999, The Dawn reported.

ANI