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Charge sheet against Musharraf drafted

ISLAMABAD: Raising the pressure on President Pervez Musharraf to quit, Pakistan’s ruling coalition said on Sunday it had finalised the charge sheet against him and a motion for his imepachment may be moved in Parliament as early as Tuesday.

Information Minister Sherry Rehman told journalists the charge sheet was ready and would be sent for final approval by the top leadership of the coalition, and “Inshalllah, we will present it in Parliament this week.”

Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar indicated a tighter deadline for the retired General Musharraf to step down to avoid impeachment. He said the impeachment resolution would be moved “not later than Tuesday”.

But the stand-off continues. General Musharraf has reportedly told his close advisers and co that he wants to see what charges the coalition has levelled against him and that he intends to stay in office to defend himself against them.

But British, Saudi and U.S. governments are said to be actively engaged in persuading him to step down before the impeachment process can begin, as it could create more instability and uncertainty in the country.

According to a report in the Daily Times, the government is inclined to resolve its stand-off with the President by offering him “blanket immunity” from a trial through a notification.

Ms. Rehman hinted that the government was considering giving General Musharraf a “safe exit”.

“This is a decision that will be taken jointly by the coalition, but speaking for the Pakistan People’s Party, I can say that having been victims of all sorts of political witch hunts, we do not believe in the politics of vendetta,” Ms. Rehman said.

The Pakistan Muslim League (N) is, however, determined that General Musharraf must be tried to “make an example of him” to deter potential coup-makers. But informed sources are saying the party leadership is not averse to a “safe exit” provided he quits soon.

With each passing day, the ruling alliance is also under pressure of its own self-imposed deadlines.

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