Pervez Musharraf to seek re-election sans uniform

Islamabad, Aug 1: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf will shed off his uniform before taking charge of the President's office for the second term.

"He will nominate a chief of army staff in October when Vice Chief of Army Staff General Ahsan Saleem Hayat completes his three-year tenure," sources have said.

They added that Musharraf would nominate the next Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee chairman after Gen Ehsanul Haq.

According to the Daily Times, Musharraf would contest election in uniform, but will step down from the post of General.

"His re-election will be held before his five-year term expires on November 15, so he enjoys immunity under the law to hold two offices until his first term ends," the sources said.

"The two-thirds majority would help the president to facilitate his re-election in the event that a constitutional amendment is required on the direction of the Supreme Court, as political parties and individuals are expected to approach the apex court against his re-election in uniform," the sources added.

The Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) President Qazi Hussain Ahmad has moved the SC challenging the Musharraf's position as army chief.

Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto would become prime minister, but the President will have to approve a bill that would remove the bar on a person from becoming premiere for a third time.

ANI>