Western diplomats don't see an end to Pak political turmoil after Musharraf's exit

Washington, Aug 15 : Amid reports of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's resignation in a day or two, western diplomats in Islamabad have said that the "development" which would see Musharraf away from the political scene in Islamabad would do a little to end internal political discord in Pakistan.

According to these diplomats, the news of Musharraf's departure will present the US with the dilemma of re-establishing close relations with a new Pakistani President, especially to carry on close coordination between the two countries in the US led war on terror.

They also raised questions to the longevity of the coalition formed by the PPP and the PML-N.

"President Musharraf is being forced out by a ruling coalition government which includes parties such as the PPP and the PML-N. These parties have been sworn enemies in Pakistan and have come together only for the cause of opposing Musharraf," said one senior Western diplomat in Islamabad.

"What would hold such parties together once president Musharraf is gone? Would they (parties) then squabble amongst themselves?" asked the diplomat.

The warnings from diplomats followed confirmation from two unidentified senior Pakistani government officials who said that Musharraf had decided to step down by Sunday.

According to the sources, just before stepping down Musharraf would hand charge to Mohammad Mian Soomro, the chairman of Pakistan's Senate and next in line to the President as per the country's Constitution. Soomro will then continue as acting President of the country till fresh elections and held within six to twelve weeks, the CBS News quoted the two Pakistani government officials as saying.

ANI