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ISLAMABAD: President Pervez Musharraf will resign and head the Pakistan Muslim League-Q, if the political forces opposed to him - the PPP, the PML-N and others - manage to muster enough votes necessary for his impeachment.
The PML-Q sources confided to The Post that President Musharraf in his recent meetings with the leadership of the party had given them a clear understanding that he was ready to spend an active political life if he had to leave the presidency in any circumstances. Under clause 49 of the Constitution, the impeachment motion against the President can be moved by one-half strength of any house (the National Assembly or the Senate). If the motion is passed with two thirds majority of the joint sitting of the Parliament, the President ceases to hold office with immediate effect.
The number game in the joint sitting under the current strength of the parties is quite difficult and the major party of the coalition in power is not very confident about the numbers. Though it is being asked by its major partner the PML-N to move decisively against the President, but the PPP is moving somewhat cautiously.
Sources close to the government also claimed that President Musharraf was ready to concede a number of his powers, if he was allowed to stay in the presidency at least till March next year.
In return, the PML-Q will support amendments that would make the Prime Minister head the National Security Council and the powers of article 58(2)b would be transferred to the collective will of the National Security Council.
Another amendment will give power to the Prime Minister to appoint Services' Chiefs, making his say predominant in the affairs of the defence institutions of the state.
"The PPP is considering these proposals as it appears that the PML-N will not give support to many amendments that deal with the judiciary." the sources said.
The PPP at this stage is only increasing pressure on the President to have a maximum bargain price when it comes to final deal with President Musharaf. Such a deal will not only ensure that the PPP reaches the March 2009 safely when the Senate elections will give it a majority in the upper house but also settle the judges issue on its own terms.
Meanwhile, the PML-N has given the PPP an understanding that it would not abandon the coalition completely and would continue to provide strategic support to the PPP where required. In return, the PPP will continue to be part of the Punjab government. |