Coalition vs the President

The long period of uncertainty and suspense since February 18 has finally come to an end. The ruling coalition has finally sounded the bugle and announcement that President Musharraf has to obtain ‘vote of confidence’ from the joint session of the parliament, failing which constitutional measures would be initiated forthwith for his impeachment.

With the announcement of the impeachment roadmap and the charge sheet against the president on Friday, the major partners of the coalition have formally put on the gloves and are all set to enter the ring and knock him out. However, Musharraf with the reputation of a commando fighter has declined to bow and has made known his intention in unambiguous terms to stay and face the impeachment charges on the floor of the parliament.

The stage is thus set for the first round of the historic fight involving the first impeachment of the president in the history of Pakistan who also happens to be a former COAS. The national press as well as the international media is full of all necessary background leading to this epoch making political battle with details regarding the various steps involved during each round of this crucial battle upon which the eyes of all major powers including our immediate neighbours are set, each desiring the final round to end in a manner favourable to their strategic designs.