We have numbers to impeach Musharraf: Zardari

Islamabad, Aug 10 : PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari has reportedly said that the ruling coalition had the support of more than 300 parliamentarians, nearly 350, in both the National Assembly and the Senate, to impeach President Pervez Musharraf. The Impeachment Motion against Musharraf is likely to be tabled in Pakistan parliament on Monday, Aug 11.

Last evening, PML-N president Shahbaz Sharif met Zardari to discuss the "progress" on ruling coalition's decision to impeach the President. A source privy to the meeting said the duo talked about Opposition legislators who had assured the government of support. "They were confident they had more than 300 votes," the Daily Times quoted him as saying. Ch Nisar and Ishaq Dar assisted Shahbaz, while Raza Rabbani and Farooq Naik accompanied Zardari at the meeting, said the sources.

Meanwhile, in an interview with a private TV channel, Zardari said he had advised President Musharraf to resign two months ago. "Through a common friend, General Durrani, I had advised President Musharraf to resign two months ago. But the president did not reply. I don't want to insult any institution. My top priority is transition to democracy," said Zardari.

He said the Army would act in line with the constitution, and that it would not interfere with the impeachment process. Zardari claimed he was "110 percent sure" of success in the Impeachment move against Musharraf.

He urged members of the Opposition PML-Q to vote against the President and added that talks were underway with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement. "I have sent someone to Altaf Hussain," he said.

About Musharraf's decision to cancel his China visit for Olympics Opening Ceremony, Zardari said it was "irresponsible behaviour", because the prime minister had to leave for China in his place.

ANI