Make up your mind by today

MULTAN - Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Saturday that impeachment proceedings would start if President Musharraf did not resign within next two days.

"The President will have to make up his mind about resignation by today (Saturday) or tomorrow (Sunday) as there is no room for delay. Otherwise, the process of impeachment will start," he said while talking to the journalists here at Multan Airport.

He pointed out that besides federation, its all four units also raised voice against President Musharraf. "Even opposition members are also in favour of his impeachment," he claimed. He said that the president should seriously consider the demand of all sections of the society. "The federation of Chambers of Commerce as well as Ex-Servicemen Society have requested him to resign in view of condition of country's economy," he maintained.

He told the journalists that the ruling coalition wanted to take all steps in light of Constitution. "We want to complete impeachment process while remaining within the limits of laws," he added. He said that the government wanted President Musharraf to bring forth a good decision for the stability of the country.

To a query on any contenders for president slot, he said that the new president would be selected after consultation with the coalition partners. "If Mian Nawaz Sharif expressed his desire to become president, we'll ponder over it," he replied while answering another question.

"We want to ensure supremacy of law and sovereignty of the Parliament. The PPP is pushing forward this agenda," he added. He said the government wanted to strengthen democratic institutions. He said the mandate given to the ruling coalition by the public on February 18 should be respected so that the expectations of the people could be fulfilled.

Referring to Indo-Pak relations, he said the government had contacted India on issue of violation of Line of Control and both the countries agreed upon respecting each others borders. He said a joint judicial committee of both the countries had also met and discussed problems being faced by the prisoners. "We've asked India to give us list of our prisoners, consular access to them, special relief to women and children and release those who have served their sentences," he added.

He told the journalists that the judge's issue would be addressed in next phase after impeachment of President Musharraf. He claimed that the family of Dr Afiya Siddiqui hailed government's efforts. "We want to get her (Afiya) all of her rights," he added.

He said the investigations had been launched into the Benazir Bhutto assassination case with a view to unveiling the instigators as well as motives behind this incident. He asserted that the UN investigations would not harm any national institution.

Replying another question, he said the party had contacted Makhdoom Amin Fahim. "He has sought some time. We hope he will support the party," he hoped and added that Makhdoom Amin Fahim had rendered valuable services for the PPP. He said the PPP and PML-N would continue to move together after the impeachment and serve the nation.