Under pressure Musharraf denies plans to quit

Pressure on Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf to quit increased today as both his rivals and allies confirmed behind-the-scenes talks were under way that could ease him out.

Mr Musharraf’s spokesman said reports that the former army chief’s resignation was imminent were “baseless”.

But the last of Pakistan’s four provincial assemblies today passed a resolution against him and a key ally acknowledged the president lacks the support to survive a vote in parliament.

The political uncertainty adds to an already volatile situation in Pakistan. Officials said that 10 days of fighting in a tribal region near the Afghan border have killed hundreds and displaced more than 200,000.

It was one of the bloodiest episodes since Pakistan deployed troops along the border in support of the war on terror nearly seven years ago.

Coalition officials said they could present an impeachment motion to parliament as early as next week and the process could be over by the end of the month.

But officials in the president’s office said impeachment could drag on for months because the procedure is not laid out in the constitution.

Mr Musharraf would be the first president to be impeached in Pakistan’s turbulent 61-year history. The party of ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif, whom Musharraf ousted in a 1999 coup, has even suggested he be tried for treason, which carries a maximum penalty of death. Mr Sharif’s party is a partner in the ruling coalition.

Much depends on whether Mr Musharraf decides to fight, and whether his rivals can stomach granting him immunity and the freedom to stay in Pakistan if he quits.

The president’s spokesman, Rashid Qureshi, denied Mr Musharraf was stepping down and rejected as “nonsense” claims that he sought immunity from prosecution. “These unsubstantiated reports are totally baseless and malicious,” Mr Qureshi said.

Musharraf dominated Pakistan for years after seizing power in the bloodless military coup, gaining favour from the US for backing the war on terror. He gave up his role as army chief last year, but had already become very unpopular.

Many Pakistanis blamed rising violence on his alliance with Washington against the Taliban and al Qaida. His popularity hit new lows last year when he ousted judges and imposed emergency rule in bids to avoid challenges to his presidency.

There have been no signs the military plans to rescue its former chief from impeachment. However, observers say the army would not want to see Musharraf humiliated or face criminal charges.