Islamabad: Dropping a strong hint that he may continue as both the President and Army Chief despite his commitment to shed the uniform by the year-end, General Pervez Musharraf today (July 6, 2004) said that Pakistan cannot be put to "risk" for the sake of "some perceptions of a democracy which may be variant to our environment."

Referring to "concerns" of the western countries over restoration of democracy in Pakistan, Musharraf said, "when two thirds majority of our Assembly have voted for me, why am I not an elected person allowed to be in uniform by the people of Pakistan."

He, however, said that he would take a decision on quitting the post of Army chief by the end of this year in the national interest.

"I will decide on this issue in national interest," Musharraf currently touring Sweden said in an address to the Stockholm School of Economics.

But, at the same time he cautioned that such a move was a risky proposition. "There is so much happening in Pakistan, domestically, regionally and internationally, one cannot risk Pakistan for the sake of some perceptions of a democracy which may be variant to our environment. We will take the decision, (I) will cross the bridge when I reach it," he said in the address telecast by the state-run PTV.

Musharraf gave the commitment to quit as the Army chief as part of a quid pro quo deal to obtain the support of Islamic alliance Muttahida Majlis-e Amal (MMA) to get his controversial constitutional amendments ratified by Parliament.