Musharraf to shed uniform by Nov 15

Islamabad, Oct 3: President Pervez Musharraf today said he will shed military uniform by November 15 after getting re-elected as President on October 6. He also admitted that Benazir Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples Party could play important role in curbing extremism in the country, and did not deny US role in talks with her. The president, in a special interview to private Geo TV channel, said, that general elections in the country will be held after two months from November 15 after the existing assemblies would complete their terms.

Mellowing down on political opponents, he said that he wants to withdraw cases against Nawaz Sharif and leaders of other political parties, while commenting on the National Reconciliation Ordinance.

He also ruled out any difference of opinion between him and General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani, the Army Chief designate.

However Ms Bhutto said that dialogue with President Pervez Musharraf on power sharing has been completely halted and decision on resigning or not resigning from the assemblies would be taken before October 6, the due date for presidential polls.

She added that she would return to Pakistan on 18 October.

Talking to media in London during the meeting of the PPP's working body, she claimed the announcement of withdrawal of the corruption cases against her is ''disinformation.'' She further said that the People's Party is still a part of the opposition but it has no contact with any party.

UNI