Parliament to impeach Musharraf

Pakistan's ruling coalition agreed yesterday to begin impeachment proceedings against President Pervez Musharraf, a move likely to deepen political instability in the country.

The political uncertainty has taken a toll on Pakistani markets, with the main share index at its weakest in nearly 23 months and the rupee headed back towards all-time lows posted in early July.

"Yes, we have agreed in principle to impeach him," said a senior official of the coalition, led by the party of slain former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

He added that the National Assembly, parliament's lower house, is expected to be called next week to begin proceedings against the president.

The official said leaders of the coalition are expected to announce the decision at a news conference later yesterday.

Shortly afterwards, the Foreign Ministry announced Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, instead of Musharraf, would leave for China yesterday to attend opening ceremonies for Beijing Olympics.

The move against the US ally in the war against terrorism could plunge the nuclear-armed Muslim nation into a new bout of political instability unless former army chief Musharraf, who came to power in a coup nine years ago, decided to go quietly.

The response of the army to the prospect of a humiliating exit for its former chief will be crucial.

Army commanders met in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, close to Islamabad, yesterday but a military official said "it was a routine meeting".

"The meeting will continue on Friday in which they will discuss issues relating to promotions of brigadiers and other senior officers," the official said on condition of anonymity.

Musharraf lost parliamentary support after his allies suffered a defeat in February elections, but has resisted calls to stand down.

The coalition led by Bhutto's widower and political successor, Asif Ali Zardari, has been negotiating the fate of Musharraf since Tuesday.

While Musharraf has not yet commented on the impending move against him, his allies have said he would fight the impeachment.

Musharraf has previously said he would resign rather than face impeachment proceedings but Pakistani political circles are awash with speculation he could dismiss parliament, even though he has said he would not.

Under the Pakistani constitution, a president could be ousted by passing an impeachment motion with a two-thirds majority of the combined strength of the National Assembly and the Senate.

If the resolution were passed, Musharraf would be the first president of the country to be impeached.

Agencies

(China Daily 08/08/2008 page58)