Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, August 22, 2002
Musharraf to Remain President, COAS for Five More Years
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said on Wednesday that he would hold the offices of the President and the Chief of the Army Staff for the next five years to ensure continuity of the reforms package after the October 10 general polls.
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said on Wednesday that he would hold the offices of the President and the Chief of the Army Staff for the next five years to ensure continuity of the reforms package after the October 10 general polls.
Musharraf reiterated this stand at a press conference here to outline constitutional changes in advance of the restoration of democracy in the October 10 balloting.
Musharraf also announced restoration of Article 58(2-B) giving discretion to the president to dismiss and dissolve the National Assembly and establishment of the National Security Council (NSC) as part of the Constitution. The president will appoint the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and services chiefs in his discretion.
Musharraf said the amendments are to effect essential mechanismof checks and balances for achieving a sustainable democratic order.
He said that all efforts would be crowned with success if a sustainable democratic order and a clean political environment in Pakistan was brought about for all times to come.
These amendments unveiled at a press conference after a month-long public debate will also provide a constitutional cover to thegovernment's reforms and restructuring in the spheres of politics,economy and good governance.