KARACHI, Oct 3: Amid reports about the government’s readiness to withdraw cases against Pakistan People’ Party chairperson Benazir Bhutto, President Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday said he wanted to withdraw cases against Nawaz Sharif and other political leaders, too, as part of a reconciliation process.

Gen Musharraf said in an interview with a private television network that the People’s Party could help curb extremism, acknowledging the US had “played a role” in talks with Benazir Bhutto.

The president said terrorism and extremism were the gravest danger to Pakistan and if the menace was not dealt with now, it could be fatal. He reiterated that the fight against terror

was in Pakistan’s interest,

dismissing allegations that it was being done at the behest of the United States.

Pervez Musharraf categorically stated that the government would not allow another takeover of Islamabad’s Red Mosque at any cost.

Referring to problems being faced in the tribal areas by the military, he said the army would adopt a low profile in December after the revamping of paramilitary forces. However, the president added, the army would be on stand-by to meet any unforeseen situation.

Gen Musharraf said he would doff the uniform by Nov 15 after getting re-elected as president on Oct 6.

Asked about changes in the military high command, Gen Musharraf said these were not “easy decisions”, affirming that the promoted generals had an excellent record. “There is no difference of opinion between me and Gen Ashfaq Kayani.”

The president brushed aside assertions that the military now had an unshakable grip on the body politic and that most of the important jobs were with military officers. He claimed that all those posted in different organisations were retired officers, selected on merit.

In reply to a question about his insistence on getting elected by the outgoing assemblies for a fresh term, President Musharraf said it was a constitutional requirement and he was not going to violate the Constitution.

He said those who were opposing his re-election by the present assemblies were not familiar with the Constitution, citing the election of the Indian president to strengthen his contention.

Gen Musharraf was confident that the existing assemblies would complete their term _ on Nov 15 _ and general election would be held within two months after that. He said he would try to get a vote of confidence from the new assembly.

RESIGNATIONS: About resignations tendered by legislators of the All Parties Democratic Movement, the president said the decision would not affect the electoral college. “Even if more legislators resign, there will be no impact on the presidential election.”

He pointed out that there were 701 votes in the college, while only 163 members had resigned.