Musharraf's impeachment process begins today
Munizae Jahangir
Monday, August 18, 2008, (Islamabad)
Pakistan is still on tenterhooks waiting to see whether President Pervez Musharraf resigns or not before the resolution to impeach him is moved in Parliament.
And according to the reports coming in, Musharraf is likely to be given indemnity by the Pakistan government.
The sources added that Musharraf's actions as President and army chief will not be put on trial.
He is going to address the nation at 1 pm Pakistan time on Monday and is likely to leave for Umrah to Saudi Arabia after his address.
Earlier, intelligence and national security agencies chiefs also called on Musharraf.
The 100-page chargesheet against Musharraf will be submitted in Pakistan's National Assembly on Monday, this will initiate procedures to impeach the President.
The man who has ruled Pakistan with an iron hand for over eight years now and in the process made many enemies.
Now that President Musharraf faces impeachment everyone the former General once victimised is planning to hit back.
Topping the list is Nawaz Sharif who was overthrown by Musharraf in a bloodless coup, jailed and then sent packing to Saudi Arabia.
Now, despite pressure from the Saudi King who wanted a safe passage for Musharraf but Sharif isn't willing to oblige.
"Nawaz Sharif has clearly said that he is not in the business of personal vendetta, but in the interest of the country General Musharraf must be held accountable for the crimes he has committed against the constitution and the country and its people," said Ahsan Iqbal, spokesperson, PML-N.
The PPP led government has been busy drafting a comprehensive chargesheet against Musharraf, just in case he decides to fight it out.
However, even if Musharraf is given a safe exit, there are others waiting to see he doesn't go unpunished.
The lawyers who went on protest when Musharraf dismissed the country's top judge, have announced that they would prosecute him for violating the constitution.
"We would like to pursue some of the cases which have been registered even during this movement. We will not see this happening that he will run one fine morning or in the darkness of the night he escapes from the clutches of law," said Ikram Chaudhry, senior advocate.
And then there are those families who hold the President responsible for their missing relatives.
After 9/11, hundreds of people were illegally picked up by intelligence agencies and handed over to the Americans.
Whether President Musharraf resigns or not, it is clear that there are Pakistanis who not only want to see him impeached but also be held accountable for all his past actions.