Islamabad: Amid loud protests from Opposition lawmakers, Pakistan's Parliament today (Nov 1, 2004) approved a bill allowing President Pervez Musharraf to continue as Army Chief, disregarding his commitment to quit the uniform at the end of this year.

The operational portion of the bill said, "It is necessary that the President in addition to his holding the office of President may hold another office in the service of Pakistan."

With today's approval, considered just a formality, the bill becomes law after assent of the President.

"The Bill is a clear violation and negation of the constitution and it has been introduced only to further the political agenda of a single person," said Opposition senator and senior leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Raza Rabbani during the debate.

"The Parliament is being used to give a role to the Chief of Army Staff in the policies of the country on permanent basis," Rabbani said.