Pakistan’s Military Ruler Names Himself President

Military ruler Gen. Pervez Musharraf had himself sworn in as president Wednesday, raising his official stature ahead of a summit with India but drawing sharp criticism from opponents and Washington.

Musharraf, who has promised to return the country to democracy by next year, also dissolved the National Assembly, Senate and the four provisional assemblies.

After dismissing figurehead President Mohammed Rafiq Tarar, Musharraf was sworn in by the chief justice of the Supreme Court. Musharraf said he acted to end political uncertainty and ensure that his reforms continue.

“I have a job to do,” Musharraf said. “I’ll not let this nation down. And that’s the reason I have decided to assume . . . the presidency.”

But Nawabzadah Nasrullah Khan, president of the 16-party Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy, called the move a “great tragedy,” adding, “This is another coup.”

State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said the U.S. was “disappointed” in “another turn away from democracy” by Pakistan.

Tarar said in a statement from Lahore that he was told several days ago of Musharraf’s intention to take the post.

“I pray to Allah . . . for the prosperity and development of Pakistan,” he said.

Assuming the presidency probably will guarantee Musharraf a position in future governments once democracy returns to Pakistan with an elected parliament and prime minister, political analysts said.

Musharraf, who seized power in a coup in October 1999, will continue to hold the powerful positions of army chief of staff and chief executive, the government said. Musharraf appointed himself chief executive after the coup.

The presidency will add to Musharraf’s credibility at a summit with Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee in New Delhi on July 14 to discuss Kashmir, the Himalayan region claimed by both nuclear powers, analysts said. The countries have fought two of their three wars over Kashmir.

India said it would recognize Musharraf’s new role but offered no congratulations.