Musharraf to quit military role 'in days'
Pakistan’s President Musharraf could quit as head of the army as soon as this weekend, an official said today.
Gen. Musharraf, has been under increased pressure to step down from his dual role as leader of the country and head of the military since imposing emergency rule earlier this month.
The Supreme Court is expected to clear the last legal obstacles to his continued rule as president tomorrow, paving the way to allowing the Election Commission to confirm his victory in the disputed presidential ballot.
Attorney General Malik Mohammed Qayyum said that Gen. Musharraf would quickly quit his army post and be sworn in for a new five-year term.
“It may happen on Saturday,” Mr Qayyum said. “I know the president, and he will honour his commitment.”
The US has said it hopes parliamentary elections on January 8 will usher in a moderate government committed to fighting Islamic extremism, but it will be seriously compromised if the emergency is not lifted.
Gen. Musharraf has reined back some of the most draconian elements of what many legal experts are describing as a bout of martial law.
Gen. Musharraf flew back early today after meeting Saudi King Abdullah.
Interior Ministry spokesman Javed Iqbal Cheema said today that more than 3,700 people had been released from jail
But many high-ranking party activists and leaders, such as cricket star turned politician Imran Khan and Aitzaz Ahsan, president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, remained inside.
