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Muhammad Najeeb in Islamabad
President Pervez Musharraf unveiled plans on Tuesday to return Pakistan to civilian rule in four phases by October 2002.
"Today I am declaring the road map for transfer of power, which is being frequently asked for from within Pakistan and the outside world," General Musharraf said while addressing the country's newly elected nazims (district administrators) at the Convention Hall in Islamabad on Pakistan's 54th Independence Day.
For the first time, Gen Musharraf was seen wearing a black waistcoat and white salwar-kameez -- the traditional summer dress for Pakistani politicians.
Musharraf said the transfer of power would take place in four phases and details of the plan would be made public through the press. "The first phase has been completed today," he said, formally announcing the launch of the district governments.
He said the second phase would be spread over approximately nine months from September to June next year when preparations for elections to the Senate, national and provincial assemblies would be completed. National and provincial constituencies would be redrawn and electoral lists updated in this phase.
In the third phase from July 1 to October 11, 2002, elections to the Senate, national and provincial assemblies would be held.
Musharraf said the national and provincial assembly elections would be held between October 1 and 11, hinting that the two might fall on the same day.
He said the fourth phase would be completed in October-November next year when power would be transferred to the elected government. He assured the nation that the election and transfer of power would be completely transparent and fair.
Musharraf said August 14 would mark the beginning of a new era in fields like politics, economy, law and order and poverty alleviation.
Under the plan, 13 government departments would be working under the district administrators. He also announced separation of the judiciary from the executive from Wednesday.
Under the new plan, police reforms have also been introduced. Now the police will be divided into three departments -- law and order, investigation and prosecution.
Musharraf said, "Today we are entering the new era, the era of development and prosperity... Now the people will be able to solve their own problems."
The general on the occasion warned the newly elected administrators to beware of anti-social elements.
Painting a bleak picture of past rulers and their 'misdeeds', he said corruption was rampant and almost all leaders were involved.
He also announced the launching of mega projects, which, he said, would generate jobs and help improve the economy.
Indo-Asian News Service
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