Musharraf loyalist army commander replaced

ISLAMABAD: Amid speculation that President Pervez Musharraf may step down, a top Pakistan army commander seen as his protege has been replaced.

Brig Asim Bajwa, the top officer of the army's 111 Brigade which has played a key role in military coups in the past, was replaced but a military spokesman said this was part of routine transfers and postings.

The 111 Brigade is responsible for the security of the President as well as the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Brigadier Faheem Rao has now taken over its command.

Brig Bajwa, who earlier served as Musharraf's military secretary, was appointed commander of the Brigade by Musharraf before he gave up office of army chief in November last year.

But military spokesman Maj Gen Abbas said Bajwa's posting was "part of a bulk posting order that included 478 officers" of the rank of brigadier and colonel.

He said the order was issued a month earlier and that Bajwa was proceeding for a professional course after completing his command tenure.

The replacement came as political circles in the Pakistani capital were abuzz with reports that President Musharraf, who held a long meeting with army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani last night, might quit under intense pressure from the ruling coalition.

Presidential spokesman Maj Gen (retired) Rashid Qureshi said reports about Musharraf's plans to step down were "just rumours".