ISLAMABAD, 10 June 2008 — Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari has directed his party to make preparations for President Musharraf’s impeachment in view of his recent comments that he had no plans to quit.
PPP Spokesman Farhatullah Babar said the coalition has sufficient numbers to impeach Musharraf. Federal Minister of PPP Qamaruz Zaman Kaira added that his party initially desired a graceful exit for Musharraf but he has invited his impeachment.
In addition, Ahsan Iqbal of Pakistan Muslim League (N) and Khawaja Hoti of Awami National Party said their parties too demanded Musharraf to step down gracefully or face impeachment. Musharraf’s fate has consumed the attention of the new coalition since the polls, despite an economy that is deteriorating rapidly and a potent threat from Al-Qaeda and the Taleban.
Pakistan’s stock market and currency have both come under pressure because of a combination of factors, including the uncertainty over Musharraf and worry about more turmoil in the country. Musharraf said on Saturday he would accept proposed constitutional amendments the ruling PPP aimed to push through Parliament.
But in what media interpreted as a warning he would not tolerate a cut in his powers, Musharraf indicated he would not like to be reduced to a ceremonial head of state, saying he could not become a “useless vegetable.” The PPP brushed aside any objections, saying Parliament was sovereign and could make or amend laws and the constitution regardless of whether Musharraf liked it or not. “Such hollow warnings would not deter the democratic forces from restoring the powers of the Parliament,” Babar said.
