Islamabad, Aug 13 (ANI): A senior leader of the King's Party - the PML-Q - has reportedly said that in the wake of impending Impeachment move against him, President Pervez Musharraf has decided in principle to quit Presidency, and that an announcement in this context is likely to be made by him on or before August 14, Pakistan's Independence Day.
According to the Daily Times, if Musharraf resigns ahead of the impeachment motion, the ruling coalition will give him a safe passage.
It is understood that if he resigns, President Musharraf will remain in the Presidency for a while as allowed by law until he is able to shift to his newly built home in Chak Shahzad on the outskirts of Islamabad, and possibly leave the country a few weeks hence, said the paper.
It advised Musharraf to apologise to the people of Pakistan and the judiciary for sacking Iftikhar Chaudhry and the other judges and restore them all before quitting.
Another advice to him, added the paper, would be to restore the judges and say that he will accept whatever judgment they give on the validity of his presidential election last November and the legitimacy of the Provisional Constitution Order. It is not known what decision he has taken in this regard.
Zardari says Musharraf now a guest of a few days only
Lahore, Aug 13 (ANI): PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari has reportedly said that President Pervez Musharraf was "a guest for a few days", and that the new Pakistani president will be elected after consultation with all the parties in the ruling coalition.
"As soon as the new President of Pakistan takes oath, he will abolish Article 58(2b) of the Constitution," the Daily Times quoted Zardari as saying in an interview a TV channel here last evening.
He said that the Pakistan Army and the intelligence agency the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) were not involved in politics and "would not intervene in politics in future either".
Zardari's assertion assumes significance in the wake of yesterday's statement by senior PML-Q leader that Musharraf might put in his papers on or before August 14, Pakistan's Independence Day. The leader had said that an announcement in this regard is expected to be made in a day or two.
Meanwhile, senior PPP leader and federal Information Minister Sherry Rehman said that the ruling coalition's Draft Committee had finalised a charge-sheet against Musharraf, and that "violation of constitution" topped the list of allegations against him.
According to her, the copies of the charge-sheet were given to the leaders of the coalition parties.
Sources said the charges (against Musharraf) included a military operation in Balochistan and the killing of Akbar Bugti, military operations in FATA and at the Lal Masjid, the "missing persons" issue and financial irregularities.
US envoy in Islamabad urges Nawaz to provide a 'safe exit' to Musharraf
Lahore, Aug 13 (ANI): US envoy to Pakistan, Anne W Patterson has reportedly urged PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif to consider providing a "safe passage" to President Musharraf.
Reacting to the request, Nawaz said that all decisions would be taken by parliament in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the people, reported the Daily Times.
During their meeting, matters relating to the impeachment of Musharraf, the on-going military operation in the Tribal Areas (FATA) and current political situation were discussed.
Patterson said that US was committed to support the democratic government in Pakistan. (ANI)
