Musharraf to be more popular as a civilian prez : Durrani

Islamabad, Oct 7 (UNI) Doffing uniform to become a civilian president would bring more popularity and add to the political stature of Gen Pervez Musharraf worldwide, Information Minister Muhammad Ali Durrani said.

''President Musharraf would gain much more popularity among the masses as a civilian president. The civilian role would also boost his political stature worldwide. The presidency was used in past as a hub for intrigues but now this is being used for national reconciliation. This is the basic difference between the incumbent and past regimes,'' Mr Durrani said.

He asserted that the military ruler would keep his pledge made before the Supreme Court regarding doffing his uniform.

The government has always respected the courts verdict and there was no going back on the submission before the apex court.

He denied comment on the petitions challenging Gen Musharraf's candidacy for presidential polls.

The military ruler swept yesterdays presidential poll with his nearest and the only rival Justice (retd) Wajihuddin Ahmad managing just eight votes.

A formal declaration of Gen Musharraf's election would be made after a final court verdict.

UNI