US, UK seek graceful exit for Musharraf

Islamabad, Aug 14: Last ditch efforts are on to secure a "safe passage" and indemnity for Pervez Musharraf with US and British diplomats pressing the government not to impeach the President as it will further harm crisis-racked Pakistan. However, several preconditions put forth by Musharraf with army's backing including his demand that he be allowed to stay in the country were dragging the behind the scene negotiations and delaying the announcement of his resignation, sources told the Pakistani newspaper Daily Times . There was speculation that the 65-year-old former General will announce his decision to bow out during a speech on Wednesday night, but Musharraf refused to reveal his cards and instead harped on political reconciliation. "There is an understanding between the Pakistan People's Party-led coalition and Musharraf on the President resigning before impeachment proceedings begin in earnest against him," the Times said. However, Musharraf is refusing to take "safe passage" to mean going into exile outside the country immediately after his resignation. He is insisting on two conditions -- that he will be entitled to stay in his house at Chak Shahzad on the outskirts of Islamabad and be provided full security and privileges as allowed under law to all ex-presidents. He is also demanding that the "cast-iron guarantees of indemnity" will be provided from any action against him following his resignation, preferably through an act of parliament, the sources said. British and US diplomats have, meanwhile, covertly come to Musharraf's rescue seeking a "graceful exit" for him, British daily The Guardian reported. Bureau Report

Having got the mandate to rule, Zardari and Sharif should have been quietly working for the development and progress of Pakistan and strengthening its democratic institutions and ensuring peaceful co-existence among its citizens. Instead, they are wasting their time in trying to kick out a President who has largely become a figurehead. This will have its own repercussions and cause instability in Pakistan's polity, with Zardari and Sharif's next moves being to undercut each other. Democracy is going to die a nascent death in Pakistan yet again.