Musharraf will remain army chief if not re-elected

Musharraf, a close US ally who seized power in a 1999 coup, has pledged to step down as military chief and restore civilian rule if lawmakers give him another five-year mandate in a ballot October 6.

At a Supreme Court hearing on Tuesday, a judge asked Attorney General Malik Mohammed Qayyum what would happen if Musharraf was not re-elected.

Qayyum said Musharraf’s position was that “if I am not elected, then I will remain chief of army staff”.

He said Musharraf could continue as army chief under a law that allows him to hold both positions at the same time and suggested he could retain the powerful military post as long as he remains president.

The law expires at the end of 2007 although his presidential term ends November 15. Parliamentary elections are to follow by January.

They also could fuel persistent talk — encouraged by hardliners in Musharraf’s camp — that the general could impose a state of emergency or impose martial law if the court blocks his way.