Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has named his successor as army chief despite the resignation of more than 80 opposition members of parliament in protest at his decision to seek re-election.
General Musharraf, a close US ally and leader of the only nuclear-armed Islamic nation, looks set to win re-election on Saturday in votes by the two-chamber parliament and four provincial assemblies.
He has promised that if re-elected he will quit as army chief before being sworn in for a new term before 15 November to rule as a civilian leader.
The expected win comes despite slumping popularity. However Mr Musharraf's ruling coalition holds a majority in parliament, which is due to be dissolved next month before a general election in January.
The designation of Lieutenant-General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani as his successor is the clearest indication yet that Mr Musharraf will follow through with his promise and give up his uniform.
Mr Kayani had been director-general of the military's main security agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence agency, until last month.
