Now, Meet President Musharraf

In a surprise development, Pakistan's military ruler General Pervez Musharraftoday took over as President in a move that gives him constitutional status ahead of his summit inIndia next month, while continuing to hold the powerful position of army chief.

Pakistanis woke up this morning to find from media that20 months after he seized power by toppling prime minister Nawaz Sharif in a bloodless coup onOctober 12, 1999, Delhi-born musharraf, had already set in motion the process oftightening his hold over the country.

58-year-old Musharraf, who toppled prime minister Nawaz Sharif in a bloodless coup onOctober 12, 1999, was administered the oath of office by chief justice Irshad Hassanafter incumbent Rafiq Tarar was summarily removed  and national assembly and provincialassemblies dissolved. These had remained suspended since he took over power.

His decision to assume the office of the President came just a day after the formalannouncement that he would visit India from July 14 for talks with Prime MinisterAtal Bihari Vajpayee. 

He was administered the oath of office by chief justice Irshad Hassan at animpressive ceremony at the white marble president house, attended by federalministers, top civilian and military officials and diplomats. His wife and otherfamily members were also present.

Shortly after being sworn-in Musharraf said "I have a role to play inthe stability of the country. My main concern is the political stability andharmony ...I pray to god that I should continue to serve the nation with allhumility. 

"I have a job to do ... I will not let this nation down. And that's thereason I have decided to assume the office of the presidency."

Observers see Musharraf's sudden decision as a clever move to acquire aconstitutional legitimacy in the eyes of the world before going to India wherehe may now now be taken more seriously. But the decision is unlikely to have thesupport of the country's political parties.

They said the General may make sweeping changes in the constitution givingmore powers to the president and ensuring army's role in any future set up.

Musharraf later told reporters "let there be no no doubt that there is achange in our perception for the future. The supreme court order and judgementof holding elections in October 2002 is very clear. We will abide by that.

"The provincial and national elections will be held as scheduled nextyear. There is no no change in that. Let there be no no doubt on that score. Thepolitical activity and all activities will continue as before."

Earlier in the day the state run radio and television announced thepresidential change in special bulletins and said the national assembly andprovincial assemblies, suspended after the coup, had been dissolved and thatTarar had ceased to hold the office of the president with immediate effect.

Tarar had been president since January 1, 1998 and was due to occupy the postuntil January 2003.

The announcement said two amendments had been made to the ProvisionalConstitutional Order (PCO), through which Musharraf has been running the countryafter seizing power, to enable him to take over as president.

Musharraf called on Tarar before assuming office and during the hour-long meeting discussed "various issues ofnational importance", an official statement said.

It said Musharraf thanked Tarar for his "unflinching and principled support following the events ofOctober 12, 1999."

Tarar, who became President during the regime of Sharif, wished Musharraf every success to makePakistan "more stable and prosperous," it added.

Escorted by a police van, Tarar, 72, left his official residence around 1430 hrsIST and drove to his hometown in Lahore with his family.

Old Tradition

By taking over as the President of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf has only followed thetradition of three previous army Generals to assume the country's highest constitutional post today after being itschief executive for 20 months following a military coup. Pakistan has been ruled by the military for 26 of its 53 years of existence.

PTI