Islamabad, Sep 26 : Pakistan’s Attorney General (AGP) Malik Muhammad Qayyum has said that his contention in the Supreme Court that Musharraf would continue as Army Chief if not elected as President, is not a threat but a legal explanation.

Qayyum told reporters after attending the hearing of Constitutional petitions challenging the holding of two offices by Musharraf that he had only explained the legal position when the court asked him to explain.

Qayyum said it is "fundamental right" of Musharraf to contest the presidential election. He said there would be no martial law or emergency in the country.

Qayyum had informed the Supreme Court on Tuesday that Musharraf would continue to stay as army chief if he was not re-elected president for a second term.

"If he loses, Musharraf would continue to remain in uniform till the time another Army Chief is appointed by the new President," the Daily Times quoted Qayyum, as saying.

He was replying to a question by Justice Javed Iqbal who was struck by the big ‘if’ in a statement filed by Musharraf’s counsel Sharifuddin Pirzada on September 18 which said that the general would step down as Army Chief if re-elected president for the second term.

"Musharraf is not asking to continue as President for the next-five year term, rather he is contesting the presidential election in a normal manner," Qayyum said. (With inputs from ANI)