Impeachment motion against Mush to be submitted next week

ISLAMABAD: The impeachment motion against Pervez Musharraf will be submitted in parliament next week, Pakistan's ruling coalition said on Tuesday as it asked the President to quit or face the "tidal wave" of opposition set off by the two provincial assemblies backing the move.

"When the day comes next week, when we move our resolution for the joint (sitting of the National Assembly and Senate), we will have much more (votes) than we need (to impeach the President)," Pakistan People's Party leader and Information Minister Sherry Rehman told reporters.

Speaking after a meeting of the committee of PPP and PML-N leaders that is framing the impeachment motion and chargesheet against Musharraf, Rehman said a "tidal wave" had been set in motion against Musharraf with two provincial assemblies passing resolutions asking him to seek a vote of confidence in parliament.

Referring to the charges being framed against Musharraf, she said: "This is a powerful chargesheet that cannot be challenged by anyone and there will be no defence in front of it."

PML-N leader Ishaq Dar, also a member of the committee drafting the impeachment motion, said the panel is preparing an unimpeachable document that cannot be challenged.

He too said the coalition has "much more than" the 295 votes needed in a joint sitting of parliament to impeach the President.

"Even now, the concerned parties should understand the situation and not waste the time of the nation. The impeachment process can be avoided if General Musharraf resigns I believe that is the best option for him," Dar said.