Aide: Musharraf might step down
Published: Feb. 2, 2008 at 10:41 PM
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- An aide to Pervez Musharraf said the Pakistani president might step down if opposition parties win the Feb. 18 election.
The unnamed aide told The International News Musharraf became "a simple president" when he gave up his position as head of the army in November.
"Obviously, he is not as strong as he was before," the source said.
The aide said Musharraf would not step down until after the elections. The president is under increasing pressure from opposition parties -- and even some of his usual allies -- as well as from lawyers and religious leaders.
The election, postponed after the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, is for the national assembly and four provincial assemblies.
The aide said Musharraf does not plan to restore judges he removed, in a maneuver that set off a revolt by lawyers. Musharraf argues that a two-thirds vote of parliament would be required for reinstatement.
The unnamed aide told The International News Musharraf became "a simple president" when he gave up his position as head of the army in November.
"Obviously, he is not as strong as he was before," the source said.
The aide said Musharraf would not step down until after the elections. The president is under increasing pressure from opposition parties -- and even some of his usual allies -- as well as from lawyers and religious leaders.
The election, postponed after the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, is for the national assembly and four provincial assemblies.
The aide said Musharraf does not plan to restore judges he removed, in a maneuver that set off a revolt by lawyers. Musharraf argues that a two-thirds vote of parliament would be required for reinstatement.
© 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
» Next in Top News:
5 women killed in shooting at Ill. mall
Relatives mourn the death of Ziad Ghalayini during his funeral in Beirut on 11 May 2008. Ghalayini, a Sunni Moslem and government supporter was killed during bloody clashes with Moslem Shiite Hezbollah fighters. Clashes continued throughout the country on Sunday and the country’s only international airport remained closed. (UPI Photo)
FUNERAL FOR PRO GOVERNMENT SUPPORTER
Full Photo
| Slideshow
Latest Headlines
Most Popular