Musharraf to quit Presidency before Aug 14

Islamabad, Aug 13: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has finally decided to step down soon after Pakistan Independence Day, that is Aug 14.

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.

Musharraf is likely to demand an opportunity to address the nation before formally announcing his resignation.

Earlier on Tuesday, Aug 12 Pakistan"s ruling coalition said the impeachment motion against Musharraf will be submitted in parliament next week. Two of the four provincial assemblies in Pakistan have passed resolutions asking Musharraf to seek a vote of confidence in parliament.

Once the process of the four provincial assemblies passing resolutions asking the President to seek a vote of confidence is completed, the impeachment motion will be moved in the national assembly.

ANI