Islamabad: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has said that he would continue to hold both the posts of President and chief of Army for five years despite the Opposition demand seeking that he give up his uniform for their acceptance of his Presidency.

Addressing editors and columnists of leading dailies on April 24, he admitted that he "realised" that both the slots should not be held by the same person, but implored the media "to please leave the issue, when I will be one and not the other, to my judgment". However, he was willing to compromise on other issues.

"I have a major role to play in uniform," Musharraf said, adding that in view of domestic and external compulsions, he had recently spoken to the chiefs of Air Force, Navy and Army commanders. "If I am not in uniform I can't have access to them."

Musharraf said he wanted "to remain President and Army chief for five years because by the end of that time the situation should have improved", to enable him to relinquish charge of the Army.

"I won't stretch it unnecessarily. I will take a very realistic view," he added.

PTI