Being a soldier cannot contest election: Musharraf

GILGIT: President general Pervez Musharraf has said he is soldier therefore, he can not contest elections adding he will quit his office the day people withdraw their support for him.

"I am soldier, therefore, I can not contest the election. If people want my leadership they should cast vote in favour of my supporters. When the people retract their support, I will quit the power corridors the same day", he said this while addressing a public gathering here Lalak Jan Stadium Wednesday and members of Northern areas legislative council.

If people want development, they should support PML to ensure its success in the next general elections, he observed. Country will have a better leadership if PML emerges triumphant in the elections, he added.

He underscored the need for stamping out extremism, terrorism and prejudices for the sake of peace and development of the country. "We are planning to work out gas pipeline project besides laying railway track to China and Central Asian Republics through Korakoram high way keeping in view the geo-strategic significance of Northern areas.

He alleged the past rulers did nothing for the progress and development of the country. " We have to eradicate unemployment and contain inflation. We will have to focus on health and education sectors to extend facilities to the people.

He went on to say that government was chalking out solid plan to provide electricity, gas and safe drinking water to the people so that we could carve out niche for our people in the comity of nation. " I am taking special steps for the economic uplift of backward areas of Northern areas particularly Balochistan. Several projects are being carried out for the fast paced development of Northern areas, he added.

He underlined that government had enhanced the funds substantially for northern areas. The development allocations have been increased from 400 million rupees to 4000 million for the rapid development of these areas.

Citing to Bhasha dam President said the completion of this mega project will usher in a new era of development in the area. Royalty of the dam will go to the northern areas, he indicated. Adequate compensation will be paid to the displaced people, he assured. More villages will be built for providing homes to the displaced people. These villages will be provided all facilities.

Regarding the roads linking northern areas to other parts of the country he said several projects for construction of roads aimed at boosting trade and economic activities have been initiated.

He also directed the concerned quarters to formulate master plant plan for the economic uplift of the northern areas.

Addressing the members of northern areas legislative council president said government was concentrating on development of northern areas. Federal government has increased grant for these areas.

He directed members of the council to ensure early completion of uplift project of northern areas.

PML-Q president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and federal minister for Kashmir affairs Tahir Iqbal were also present on the occasion.