Musharraf admitted that the powerful Inter-Services Intelligence agency has been involved in the political arena for the past five decades. Reiterating that he was going to give up his uniform after his re-election, Musharraf said, "Once my election takes places, before I take the oath, I will remove my uniform."

Responding to criticism that he was seeking re-election from national and provincial assemblies whose terms were about to end, Musharraf told a private TV channel in Pakistan that he will seek a vote of confidence from the new assemblies.

On the stiff resistance by Opposition to his re-election bid, Musharraf said the electoral college for the presidential poll, comprising members of the National Assembly, Senate and four provincial assemblies, would not be affected by the resignation of lawmakers of the All Parties Democratic Movement alliance. He added, "The nation is facing several challenges, it is facing turmoil. I have a role to ensure a smooth transition."

Image: Opposition party supporters walk to Parliament on Tuesday in Islamabad. Opposition lawmakers resigned en masse in a move that was designed to diminish the validity of the vote by national and provincial lawmakers in the presidential election.

Photograph: John Moore/Getty Images