The Hindu : A Musharraf surprise

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Sep 12, 2002

International

International

A Musharraf surprise

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD Sept. 11. The Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf, has surprised observers here by his remark at the Harvard University's Kenny School of Government two days ago that "it will not be far off" before he appoints a new Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

Gen. Musharraf's remark has sparked off speculation in a section of Pakistani civil society and media on whether it was a "tactical" move to silence his critics, particularly in the Western block led by the United States, or he was really serious about it.

After all, it was a just a month ago that he incorporated an amendment in the suspended 1973 Constitution appointing himself as President and COAS for five more years. Gen. Musharraf' tenure as COAS ended in October last and he extended his stint indefinitely the day the U.S.-led coalition began its military operations in Afghanistan on October 7, 2001.

In his numerous media interviews, he had vehemently argued on the need for him to continue as COAS. In other words, he had acknowledged in unambiguous terms the importance of the institution of Army chief. "You very well understand the reason why I should continue as COAS," he had said in one of his press conferences.

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