Pakistan president loses key reformer

Power will soon be handed to an elected government

By Zaffar Abbas BBC correspondent in Islamabad

The man in charge of the Pakistani military government's main policy-making body has resigned.

Tanwir Naqvi, a retired general, stepped down as chairman of the National Reconstruction Bureau (NRB) to spend more time with his family, a press release said.

Naqvi: Focusing on personal matters

The sudden decision comes at a critical time in Pakistan, when there is uncertainty about the future relationship between the military ruler, President Musharraf, and the recently-elected parliament.

Mr Naqvi's departure from the think-tank responsible for drawing up political and constitutional reforms marks the beginning of the transition from a military regime to an elected government.

His future had been a matter of intense speculation.

A government spokesman said there was no truth, however, in reports that Mr Naqvi had left because of differences within the administration over the transfer of power formula.

Driving force

From the very first day when the military seized power three years ago, Mr Naqvi had remained the driving force behind the regime's social, administrative and constitutional policy.

Musharraf seized power in bloodless coup

Though his reforms in the social and administrative sectors have been widely hailed, most of the political parties are opposed to the drastic amendments that President Musharraf made to the constitution on his recommendation.

Now there are strong indications that in order to form a coalition government of political parties having divergent views, President Musharraf may scrap some of the amendments.

Though the government has so far denied such suggestions, it is being said that Tanwir Naqvi is opposed to the idea, and has decided to resign instead of agreeing to the changes.

Another reason for his resignation is said to be his unwillingness to work under a prime minister who, under the law, will be in charge of the NRB.

Whatever the real reason, Mr Naqvi's exit marks the start of the process to transfer power to an elected government.