Pakistani papers were filled with commentary surrounding the possible impeachment of President Musharraf, his increasingly likely resignation and his address to the nation on the eve of Independence Day. According to Dawn (August 14) “The Sindh assembly adopted unanimously on Wednesday a resolution calling upon President Pervez Musharraf to take a vote of confidence from his electoral college or resign immediately”. Interestingly, in his speech to the nation President Musharraf called for “political reconciliation in the country” instead of addressing the impeachment matter.

The Nation carries a significant report claiming that “the sixty deposed judges would be restored by an executive order before presidential impeachment if the President opted to challenge the move or the contents of charge sheet in the apex court” Meanwhile the PML-Q or the King’s party which has been backing Musharraf seems to be already thinking of life after Musharraf. A report in The News (August 14) says: “The PML-Q is facing an uncertain fate and there is a risk that it may evaporate right after the exit of Pervez Musharraf from the presidency, most of its leaders and MPs candidly admit”. Some members of the party will join the PPP while others would join the PML-N as Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif have expressed their willingness to take back those who have not backed Musharraf vociferously. The Nation (August 13) says: “President Pervez Musharraf has finally decided to step down soon after Pakistan Independence Day (August 14), highly placed sources told WAQT News here on Tuesday... according to the understanding reached ... it was decided that Musharraf would not be held responsible for the past misdeeds and would be allowed to walk away scot-free”.

... contd.