Musharraf files nomination papers for Oct 6 presidential polls

Islamabad, Sep 27 (UNI) Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz filed the nomination papers for President Pervez Musharraf for the October 6 presidential polls today, a day when the country's apex court was expected to decide on the legality of his re-election.

Mr Aziz proposed Gen Musharraf's name while it was seconded by Ghazi Gulab Jamal.

Soon after filing the papers at the Election Commission, Mr Aziz said, ''It is a historical day for Pakistan and for the future of democracy in the country.'' ''We fully believe that President Pervez Musharraf will succeed,'' the Prime Minister said.

''We will hold free, fair and transparent election and the people of Pakistan will be free to choose their future leadership,'' he added.

He said President Musharraf's re-election will be a ''major positive development'' for Pakistan and the region.

Pakistan Muslim League Secretary General Mushahid Hussain Sayed said the President will doff his uniform after his re-election and said his party desired national political reconciliation in the country and would hold discussions with all the parties on issues confronting the country.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by PML President Ch. Shujaat Hussain, Chief Minister Sindh Arbab Ghulam Rahim, Chief Minister Punjab Pervaiz Elahi, Chief Minister Balochistan Jam Yousaf, Senior Minister Rao Sikhandar, Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri, Railway Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Interior Minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, Minister for Ports and Shipping Babar Khan Ghauri, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Senator Tariq Azeem, State Minister for Education Anisa Zaib Tahir Kheli and other senior leaders of the ruling coalition.

The papers were submitted by Leader of the House in the Senate Wasim Sajjad as the chief polling agent for the President.

The candidate of Supreme Court Bar Association Justice (retd) Wajihuddin and Pakistan People's Party's Makhdoom Fahim Amin are also expected to file their nomination papers today.

UNI