Gen Musharraf rules out early return to democracy

Answering a specific query on restoration of democracy, he said there was no question of a return to democracy, at least in the near future. quot;I cannot give a time-frame for a return of democratic rule until the main objective of reviving the economy is achieved.quot;

Gen Musharraf said a deadline would only generate political instability. quot;Whenever you give a time-frame, a countdown starts and administration comes to a halt.quot;

He putthe blame for failure of democracy on politicians, who, he said, lacked sincerity and good governance. quot;Politics has become a game for rich people who misguide illiterate and poor people. It was a sham democracy where people did not have any say,quot; he said.

In his first extensive interview to a foreign newspaper at his sprawling colonial mansion in the heart of Rawalpindi cantonment, Gen Musharraf presented his plan for devolution of power at district and city levels, which he said would allow people greater participation in running their affairs.

Gen Musharraf, who assumed power last month in what he describes as a quot;counter coupquot;, said, quot;It is a tough job, but a feeling of being in charge and having confidence makes it enjoyable.quot;

quot;There8217;s greater realisation among the international community that the military takeover was prompted by the previous government8217;s action,quot; he declared.

quot;The Army action was absolutely a reactive event. It was not a coup but a counter coup against the government8217;s illegalaction of sacking the chief,quot; Gen Musharraf said. Sharif dismissed Gen Musharraf on October 12 when the Army Chief was returning from a visit to Sri Lanka and appointed the then ISI chief Gen Khawaja Ziauddin in his place. But a swift action by pro-Chief Army Commanders brought an end to Sharif government. According to the report, the General was visibly emotional when he narrated how his plane, carrying 190 passengers, was refused permission to land at Karachi airport.quot;The pilot was told to take the plane to India or crash it. They were so scared of me that they were prepared to risk the lives of innocent passengers. There was only five minutes8217; fuel left when the plane finally landed after the military took over control of the airport,quot; he said.