Saturday, March 4 2006 15:16 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: Asserting that he has introduced the essence of democracy in Pakistan for the first time, President Pervez Musharraf today (Mar 04 2006) said that the country's Constitution had allowed him to wear the military uniform until 2007 and he will take a decision on whether to shed it beyond that time limit.

Wearing of the Khaki "has been allowed by the Constitution until 2007 and I will go by the Constitution. Beyond 2007, the issue will be addressed according to the Constitution", he said addressing a joint press conference with US President George W Bush.

Maintaining that freedom of speech, right to vote for minorities along with Muslims and opening of TV and print media had been done under his regime, the General said, "I introduced the essence of democracy in Pakistan, which was never there before."

Responding to Bush's observation that a sustainable democracy was needed in Pakistan as the two countries continued their fight against terror, he said elections to the National Assembly and provincial assemblies have been held as per adult franchise system.

Musharraf said that he has brought about empowerment of women and at present a large number of them were part of Pakistan's politics.