Musharraf to resign military role
Pakistan’s military president agreed today to step down as head of the armed forces by the end of 2004.
It is part of a deal with a powerful hard-line Islamic opposition party to end a long stand-off that has crippled parliament and stalled this nation’s return to democracy.
President General Pervez Musharraf also agreed to scale back some of the special powers he decreed himself after taking power in a 1999 military coup.
Musharraf will remain president, but would seek a vote of confidence in parliament within one month of stepping down as military chief, according to the agreement.
“It is good for democracy and good for the stability of the country,” said Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed. “The president has proven he is sincere about democracy.”
Hafiz Hussain Ahmad, a spokesman for the Islamic coalition, also confirmed the deal.
The agreement, which calls for Musharraf to quit his army position by December 31, 2004, was signed at a hastily-called ceremony in the capital Islamabad.
