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Foes Launch Effort To Oust Musharraf

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Los Angeles Times

Published: August 8, 2008

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - In its first decisive move against Pakistan's former military ruler, the governing coalition announced Thursday that it would seek to impeach President Pervez Musharraf unless he agrees to resign.

Musharraf's allies, though, indicated he would fight the attempt to oust him from his civilian post.

Pakistan is considered a crucial U.S. ally in the fight against the Taliban and al-Qaida, though relations have been strained lately by American doubts as to whether the country's new civilian government has the resolve to confront Islamic militants.

The Bush administration, which supported Musharraf as his popularity plummeted last year and throughout an unpopular bout of de facto martial law last fall, is concerned that his abrupt ouster could trigger instability.

A U.S. Embassy spokesman said it is an internal Pakistani issue.

The move against Musharraf marks a rare show of unity by the two main parties in the ruling coalition, which have squabbled through their first five months in office.

"The coalition ... decided that it will immediately initiate impeachment proceedings," said Asif Ali Zardari, head of the Pakistan People's Party.

The other main party in the coalition, that of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, has worked in the past to push Musharraf out as president.

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