The President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf will resign within days according to reports by both The New York Times (NYT)and The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
The NYT reports that Musharraf will step down rather than face impeachment charges that have been brought by a broad coalition in parliament. The paper goes on to say that how he steps down and whether he can stay in the country is being negotiated behind closed doors.
The WSJ was able to obtain confirmation that he would resign, citing a person familiar with the situation. “Musharraf will neither face impeachment nor be prosecuted,” said the WSJ’s source. “We expect a major development in the next 48 hours,” the person added.
The WSJ said Musharraf is holding out for safe passage and immunity from prosecution. It further says that secret talks with the Pakistan Peoples Party began last week.
Backgrounder
On August 7, 2008, the Pakistan Peoples Party and the Pakistan Muslim League agreed to force Musharraf to step down and begin his impeachment. Asif Ali Zardari and Nawaz Sharif, announced sending a formal request or joint charge sheet that he steps down, and impeach him through parliamentary process upon refusal. Musharaf, however, said: “I will defeat those who try to push me to the wall. If they use their right to oust me, I have the right to defend myself.” Musharraf, accordingly delayed his departure for the Beijing Olympics, by a day.
A senior coalition official told Reuters: “Yes, we have agreed in principle to impeach him.”
The draft of the ruling coalition’s joint statement had been finalized by the draft Committee, and Musharraf must obtain vote of confidence from the National Assembly and 4 provincial assemblies.
The government summoned the national assembly, or lower house of parliament, to sit on August 11.
Capt. Wasif Syed, spokesman for the Pakistan People’s Party — confirmed: “A decision has been made that he has to go now, and all the parties have agreed on this point.” According to Major General Rashid Qureshi, Musharraf will not resign to avoid impeachment.
