Gen Musharraf, who dismissed premier Nawaz Sharif in a bloodless coup on Tuesday, is in final stages of consultations with his aides to prepare a blueprint for "sweeping reforms" in the country, leading English daily "The News" said quoting a top army official.

"The days of Bhuttos and Nawaz Sharifs may never return to Pakistan," the official was quoted as saying.

Stating that the proposed reforms will address crucial areas of governance in Pakistan, the official said "those who looted this country under political cover will be forced to pay their due to the people and state institutions".

"The army will soon initiate a process to restore democracy in its true spirit in the country," he said adding "days of long-drawn martial law and of pseudo-democracy are over".

Answering a question on whether any deadline has been set for return of the "true democracy" in Pakistan, he retorted, "why should a deadline be set when we know that decisions taken today will influence the destiny of Pakistan?"

He also hinted that the army leadership was preparing for a long haul though not necessarily for direct military rule. The report said Gen Musharraf might also seek public approval for his reforms aimed at the restoration of "genuine democracy" to ensure good governance and prevent, "back-door entry of politicians who have been tried for corruption".

In an obvious criticism of Sharif's repeated claims of enjoying a heavy mandate, an army officer said, "democracy that gives absolute majority to a party that didn't win even 10 per cent of total registered votes doesn't suit Pakistan."

Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League had won a two-third majority in the February 1997 polls which had attracted only 22 per cent polling.

The report said that the people's positive response to the takeover has prompted the army leadership to introduce fundamental structural changes in the country.

The report quoting army sources said that in their drive to overhaul the whole concept of governance in Pakistan, the military leadership has decided to ignore criticism of the army takeover by the international community.

"In the near future, the people who have made unnecessary threatening statements will realise that their reaction was premature," an official said pointing out that reports by CNN and BBC that there was not a murmur of protest in Pakistan should be enough to silence critics.