Musharraf tells next Pakistan govt 'focus on basics'

By Augustine Anthony

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf on Saturday advised an incoming coalition government, that may seek his resignation, to focus on fighting terrorism and sustaining economic growth rather than politics.

The parties that defeated a pro-Musharraf alliance in an election last month have still to agree how to make up the new ruling coalition, and there is speculation they will try to drive out Musharraf, who came to power in a 1999 military coup.

The caretaker government will forward the official election results to Musharraf early next week to pave the way for him to convene the new assembly, Law Minister Syed Afzaal Haider, told state-run Pakistan Television on Saturday.

U.S. ally Musharraf said political peace was essential to keep the fight against terrorism on track and maintain growth in an economy pressured by rising crude oil and cooking oil prices.

"These are very serious challenges," Musharraf said at the launch of a new television station in the city of Multan in the Punjab province.

"As soon as the governments are formed in the centre and in provinces, this is the cut off when there should be less politics and governance starts," he said.

"Put politics on a back-burner."

Musharraf has said he will back the incoming government so long as it chooses political peace, but there is considerable expectation that Pakistan will face more political upheavals if its new leaders seek confrontation with the president.