Musharraf begins new era as civilian president

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Pervez Musharraf embarked on a new, five-year term as a civilian president today, a day after ceding the powerful post of army chief – the basis of his rule for the past eight years.

In his inaugural address, Musharraf welcomed the return from exile of his old foes, former prime ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, saying it was “good” for political reconciliation.

However, neither was present at the ceremony in the state palace in Islamabad, and it remained unclear whether the changeover would defuse the threat of a boycott of upcoming parliamentary elections. Such a move would undercut Musharraf’s effort to legitimize his rule through a democratic ballot.

“This is a milestone in the transition of Pakistan to the complete essence of democracy,” Musharraf told an audience of government officials, foreign diplomats and military generals. “Elections will be held in January come whatever may.”

On Wednesday, a tearful Musharraf ended a four-decade military career as part of his long-delayed pledge not to hold both jobs.

“We welcome Musharraf’s decision to shed the uniform,” Bhutto said Wednesday. “Now the Pakistani army has got a full-fledged chief and they can better perform their duties.”

But she said her party would “not take any decision in haste” on whether it could accept Musharraf as head of state.

Sharif again rejected Musharraf’s presidency, saying his presidential oath would have “no legitimacy.”

Musharraf first promised to quit the army at the end of 2004 but broke his word, saying the country needed his strong leadership.

Outgoing lawmakers re-elected Musharraf to the new five-year term in October. But the Supreme Court held up his confirmation following complaints that a military officer could not run for elected office under the constitution.

Musharraf reacted by proclaiming a state of emergency on Nov. 3, sacking the chief justice and other independent judges and replacing them with his appointees. The reconstituted top court then duly approved his election.

Officials have indicated emergency rule might be lifted soon but have not set a firm date.