Musharraf May Quit Army Saturday

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Musharraf May Quit Army Saturday
Military.com | November 22, 2007

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - The government freed more jailed political activists Wednesday and a senior official said President Gen. Pervez Musharraf might step down as army chief this weekend, moves that could blunt opposition threats to boycott parliamentary elections.

It remained unclear, however, when Musharraf might lift a state of emergency that has worsened Pakistan's political turmoil just as the government confronts rising Islamic militancy.

The United States and other Western nations are pressuring him to end emergency rule if he hopes to repair his bruised credentials as a democrat and a reliable ally in the fight against international terrorism.

Attorney General Malik Mohammed Qayyum told The Associated Press that Musharraf would quickly fulfill his promise to quit his army post and be sworn in for a new five-year presidential term as a civilian.

"It may happen on Saturday ... I know the president, and he will honor his commitment," Qayyum said.

Meeting another key demand of domestic critics, Washington and the European Union, authorities said they have now freed most of the thousands of activists rounded up since Musharraf suspended the constitution and decreed emergency powers Nov. 3.


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