Gen Musharraf will remain in saddle: Pak leader

Kozhikode, Feb 25 (UNI) President Pervez Musharraf will remain in saddle as the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), which bagged the largest number of seats in the recently concluded elections in the neighbouring country,favoured his continuance as the head of the nuclear-capable nation, a Leftist leader of the country today said.

Quoting a statement of Mr Makhdhoom Amin Fahim, the front-runner for premiership, the PPP 'would not rock the boat,' Pakistan National Workers Party (PNWP) Secretary B M Kutty told UNI Gen Musharraf had every chance to continue in the highest office.

Stating Gen Musharraf still enjoyed the backing of the powerful military, he said in such a scenario any move to unseat him would not be successful.

Besides, he had the full support of the US as the country considered him a close aide in its fight against terrorism in the region, according to Mr Kutty, a native of Valiyathur in Malappuram District who settled in Pakistan more than 50 years ago.

However, he said the Parliament was the final authority to decide on the general's fate.

He said efforts were on by the PPP and Pakistan Muslim League (N), which emerged as the largest parties in the election, to form a coalition government.

Describing the election as free and fair, he said the country was on the path of transition from autocracy to democracy.

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