Mass rally for Musharraf

People watch Musharraf's first public meeting regarding the referendum

LAHORE, Pakistan -- Tens of thousands of people gathered in the Pakistani city of Lahore in a show of support for the country's President Pervez Musharraf as he kicked off his election campaign.

The political rally on Tuesday, the first in a campaign by the general to win public approval for a five-year extension of his presidency, came as Pakistan's state radio announced that the South Asian nation will hold a referendum on April 30.

Busloads of supporters massed in the city's Iqbal Park -- the site where Pakistan's independence movement was launched in 1940 -- in the seething heat to express their support, almost 30 months after Musharraf seized power in a bloodless coup.

Crowds chanted pro-Musharraf slogans and sang patriotic songs.

Flags and multi-colored banners were paraded through the grounds, with many supporters holding up patriotic placards for the self-declared president, who was dressed in full military uniform.

"Pervez Musharraf is the voice of the people and the voice of god," one banner read.

Condemnation

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Opposition figures, including political leaders of Pakistan, have condemned the referendum as unconstitutional, and have vowed to boycott the vote.

But Musharraf says he stands by his stated commitment to return the country to democracy by October this year.

Musharraf, a key U.S. ally in the war against terrorism, announced last Friday that voters would be asked whether they wanted him to remain in power after the restoration of civilian rule in October.

Heads of state in Pakistan are chosen by the two houses of parliament. By holding a referendum on his stewardship beforehand, Musharraf will attempt to bypass the legislature and ensure his stay in power for another five years regardless of the outcome of the October vote.