Musharraf to take oath

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-27-2007 08:13

Pakistan's Pervez Musharraf, seen here speaking in Islamabad in a handout from the Pakistani Press Information Department(PPID). (AFP/PPID-HO)

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf is preparing to step down as army chief and be sworn in as the country's civilian leader. Meanwhile, ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has registered to run in next month's critical elections.

Incumbent President Pervez Musharraf will take an oath as the country's civilian president for the next 5-year term on November the 29th.

Major General Waheed Arshad, Pakistani Army Spokesman, said, "Yes of course the process is already on. He is going to take oath, as has been announced by the government on 29th most probably, so he is going to take off his uniform the day before that."

Musharraf will make his last visit to General Headquarters in Rawalpindi as army chief Wednesday. According to local reports, he will make a farewell call on commanders and thank them for their support.

Musharraf will hand over army command to the staff's Vice Chief, General Ashfaq Pervez Kiani who is expected to take office Thursday.

Ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif signed his nomination papers in the eastern city of Lahore. However, he maintains a threat to boycott the January 8 parliamentary vote. He says even if he took part and won, he will not lead any government under Musharraf.

Nawaz Sharif, Former Pakistani PM, said, "I am not a candidate for prime ministership under Pervez Musharraf."

Pakistan's opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was mobbed by cheering supporters as she arrived to file her election nomination papers in her home town Larkana. She says, it is pressure from Pakistanis that has forced Musharraf to hold elections next month.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei