Gen plans to quit army to be president

General Musharraf has been holding the post of Army chief since he seized power in a military coup in 1999 despite calls from the opposition to quit the dual office.

His acquiescence could be seen as a victory for Benazir Bhutto, who has said that any power-sharing arrangement with Musharraf will depend, among other things, on him becoming a civilian president.

Bhutto’s Pakistan People’s Party announced on Friday the two-time former prime minister will return to Pakistan on October 18, ending more than eight years of self-exile.

It will also be a wrench for a life-long soldier who described his uniform as a “second skin”, but aides say he has been reconciled to quitting the Army for months.

Senator Sayed said that Musharraf would abide by the constitution and quit the Army before the end of 2007.

Musharraf’s current term as president expires on November 15.

“Yes, I have no doubt that the president will keep his commitment,” said Sayed, who recently met Musharraf. “He is clear on this issue.”

Before quitting the Army, Musharraf plans to seek another five-year term as president from the sitting parliament by October 15, Sayed said. The PML and its allies have a majority in parliament to elect Musharraf but several members of the ruling coalition have expressed reservations over Musharraf’s re-election while remaining in uniform.