"There is a 'cut line' for the governments that will be formed at the Centre and in the provinces according to this, politicking must end and governance must start. If there is only politicking for the next five years, the nation will not be able to progress," he said.

"I hope that all politicians, especially those who will run the governments, realise that politicking should be put on the back-burner so that they can focus on governance," Musharraf told a function marking the inauguration of a new station of state-run PTV at Multan in Punjab province.

Governance means taking the country ahead and working for the good and prosperity of the people, he said. "They should be fully aware of this 'cut line'."

The parties that form government should be aware of their responsibilities, Musharraf said. "Peace is essential for governance. If we go towards chaos and anarchy and come out on the streets, then the nation will not be able to progress," said Musharraf, whose supporters were routed in the February 18 general election.

PPP, which emerged the largest party in the polls, is set to form government at the centre with the backing of PML-N, whose chief Nawaz Sharif has called for Musharraf to quit. The two parties have also said they will take steps to curb the President's powers to dismissed the Prime Minister and dissolve Parliament.