Date:14/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/14/stories/2008081457870100.htm

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Musharraf calls for reconciliation

Nirupama Subramanian

ISLAMABAD: In his first public appearance after the Pakistan ruling coalition’s impeachment moves against him, President Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday did not appear as if he was about to resign as he called for a “reconciliatory approach instead of a confrontationalist approach” in order to ensure political stability and the prosperity of Pakistan.

Speaking at an Independence Day-eve function at the President’s Aiwan-e-Sadr just after midnight, the retired General Musharraf urged “all actors to adopt the path of reconciliation” and “sink all differences in order to take Pakistan forward on the road to prosperity.”

Gen. Musharraf’s short speech also included a condemnation of India for “human rights violations” in Kashmir, and a declaration that “Kashmir runs in the blood of every Pakistani.”

Gen. Musharraf looked relaxed as he watched a function of dance and music. When he went up to the stage to speak after the cultural programme, he received a standing ovation from his guests. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and his Cabinet members boycotted the function.

Through the day, speculation that President Musharraf’s resignation might be imminent heightened after his political isolation became apparent when even the Muttahida Quami Movement, until now a trusted ally, deserted him in the Sindh provincial Assembly.

The Sindh Assembly was following the Punjab and the North West Frontier Province assemblies in passing a resolution demanding that the retired General Musharraf step down or seek a vote of confidence.

The MQM, which had earlier declared it would defend the President, abstained from voting, and the resolution was passed by 93 votes to zero. In the two other assemblies which adopted similar resolutions, heavy cross-voting from the Pakistan Muslim League (Q), Gen. Musharraf’s main ally, exposed his narrowing band of supporters.

“There’s a tidal wave in favour of democracy,” Information Minister Sherry Rehman told journalists. “What we saw in the Sindh Assembly today[Wednesday], with this kind of numbers, it is very difficult [for the President] to go against the will of the people.”

The Daily Times said on Wednesday that Gen. Musharraf had decided “in principle” to resign on Thursday, when Pakistan celebrates its independence day, but was still considering his options.