Accessibility links

Breaking News
News

Pakistani Coalition Finalizes Musharraf Impeachment Charges

update

Members of Pakistan's ruling coalition say they have finalized impeachment charges against embattled President Pervez Musharraf.

A coalition official, Information Minister Sherry Rehman, said Sunday the charges will be presented to parliament on Tuesday, if Mr. Musharraf does not resign by then. The president is accused of misconduct and violating the constitution by imposing emergency rule last November.

Mr. Musharraf used the measure to fire senior judges and prevent legal challenges to his second term as president. He has refused to resign, despite pressure from his political rivals who won parliamentary elections in February.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, in an interview on U.S. television, praised Mr. Musharraf Sunday as a "good ally" who kept his word about giving up his military uniform and holding democratic elections. But, she said his political fate is a matter for Pakistan to decide.

Rice also says Washington has no plans to grant asylum to Mr. Musharraf.

Impeaching the president requires a two-thirds majority vote in a joint session of Pakistan's two houses of parliament.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.

XS
SM
MD
LG