I have established genuine democracy: Musharraf

President Pervez Musharraf has said despite being an armyman he has established "genuine democracy" in Pakistan while the civilian leaders have only "plundered" the country.

"All they did was fill their pockets (with ill-gotten money) and enrich themselves. And if you want continuity, vote for pro-government people.

They will, in turn, vote for me," he said while addressing a public meeting in Larkna in Pakistan's Sindh province on Wednesday.

"Storming" the citadel of former Prime Minister ZA Bhutto and his daughter Benazir in Larkna, Musharraf said despite being an Army General, he has established "genuine democracy" in Pakistan while the civilian leaders have only "plundered" the country.

The visit came as his back-channel talks with Bhutto for a political rapprochement failed to make a headway after she reportedly insisted that she be allowed to return from self-exile without fear of arrest in connection with corruption case and take part in elections likely at the end of this year, the Dawn daily said on Thursday.

Musharraf's visit to Larkana was seen as an attempt to upstage the legacy of ZA Bhutto, whom he attacked in his controversial memoirs In the Line of Fire.

According to Larkana Member of National Assembly, Mohammad Anwar Bhutto, unwilling crowds were bused to a similar meetings addressed by previous military ruler Zia-ul- Haq, who had hanged Bhutto.

The same crowd has been bused to Larkana to take part in Musharraf's meeting too, he said.

First Published: Mar 01, 2007 18:40 IST