Delay return to Pakistan: Musharraf to Bhutto

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Islamabad, October 11:: President Pervez Musharraf has asked former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto to delay her return to Pakistan from a self-imposed exile till the Supreme Court decides on petitions challenging his re-election.

"Benazir should not come back to Pakistan on October 18 and she should delay her return till the Supreme Court decision regarding the presidential election," Musharraf told the ARY TV channel in an interview aired on Wednesday.

The beleaguered military ruler swept Saturday's presidential election that was boycotted by the opposition but cannot assume office till the apex court decides on petitions filed by his rivals challenging his decision to contest without giving up the post of army chief.

"I will not be sworn in before the Supreme Court's decision about the eligibility to contest the presidential election, which I won with an overwhelming majority," Musharraf said, reiterating that he would doff his uniform by November 15.

A day before the presidential poll, Musharraf issued an ordinance to drop all corruption charges registered against Bhutto and other political leaders between 1986 and 1999, paving the way for her return to Pakistan under a power-sharing deal.

Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party said she was committed to returning to the country on October 18 and there was no change in her plans. Bhutto plans to contest the general election due in January following her return, it said.