Musharraf decision to stay disappoints politicians

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, MARCH 26. The Pakistan military ruler, Gen. Pervez Musharraf's announcement that he has no intention to retire as Chief of Army Staff has implications within and outside Pakistan.

It is a clear message from Gen. Musharraf, that he has come to stay and every one be prepared to deal with him.

It is as much a message intended for all those who matter within Pakistan and outside particularly the Government of India. Gen. Musharraf's statement has come as a bit of surprise to political observers.

Perhaps it is the end of a dream for Pakistani politicians who have been eagerly waiting for revival of the suspended assemblies at the national and the provincial level and return of the Army to the barracks.

As for India, it can no longer ignore the presence of Gen. Musharraf. The policy of isolation cannot be expected to continue forever and sooner than later it would have to engage him if the tensions in the region were to subside.

While there was no doubt that Gen. Musharraf was intending to stay on beyond his retirement due in October 2001, no one expected him to announce it now.

Another significant aspect of his marathon press conference on Monday was the manner in which he evaded a direct reply on whether he intended to take over as the President of the country.

The announcement is perhaps an indication that Gen. Musharraf is in total command of the Army and the administration. The Jamaat-e-Islami which has been demanding that Gen. Musharraf should not extend his tenure beyond October 2001 has criticised him for the statement.

Gen. Musharraf's comment that the country would know everything in due course on whether or not he would take over as President was a clear indication that he is keeping all his options open. There have been speculations galore in the Pakistani media on the possibility of Gen. Musharraf taking over as the President.

Strangely the military establishment chose not to react to these developments. After Gen. Musharraf's announcement that he is there to stay, it really makes little difference whether or not he would like to take over as the President.

What has also not gone unnoticed is Gen. Musharraf's decision to arrive at the venue of the press conference in Karachi in a civilian dress. When a correspondent made it a point to draw his attention, he said that since he is being accused of going everywhere in the uniform, he decided to be different this time.

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Section  : International
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