No role of PPP in Prez decision to quit as army chief : Rashid

Islamabad, Sep 19 (UNI) Pakistan Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said the decision of President Pervez Musharraf to quit as army chief should not be linked to the ongoing negotiations with Benazir Bhutto-led Pakistan People's Party.

''Terming it (the decision to quit as army chief) as a result of dialogue with the PPP is not appropriate,'' Daily times quoted Mr Rashid as saying.

Talks with the PPP have been going on for a long time, but no final understanding has been reached so far between the two sides, he said.

The Minister said the President has repeatedly been saying that he would remove his uniform at an appropriate time adding that the president has been allowed to keep both offices till November 15 by the Constitution.

He said the President's decision would ensure that the upcoming general elections be held in a ''smooth manner''.

UNI