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Implications of Pakistan President Musharraf's resignation

Pakistan's ruling coalition has prepared impeachment charges against President Pervez Musharraf focusing on violation of the constitution and misconduct.

  • Reuters
  • Published: 23:21 August 17, 2008
  • Gulf News

Islamabad: Pakistan's ruling coalition has prepared impeachment charges against President Pervez Musharraf focusing on violation of the constitution and misconduct.

Most analysts expect the former army chief and firm US ally to resign soon, perhaps before impeachment proceedings begin, or after defending himself against the accusations.

Musharraf, 65, came to power in a 1999 coup and has anchored Pakistan's alliance with the United States, especially since Pakistan signed up for the US-led campaign against terrorism after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

He promoted an investor-friendly environment and oversaw good growth and surging stocks until this year.

Following are some of the political, economic and diplomatic implications of his expected resignation.

Internal politics

- Opposition to Musharraf has bonded rival parties in the coalition government. His departure could see them drift apart.

- The Pakistan Peoples Party of assassinated former prime minister Benazir Bhutto leads the coalition, with former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) its main partner.

Security

- The coalition government has vowed full commitment to the campaign against violent militancy. Despite questions over its policy of trying to negotiate with militants, recent operations in the northwest should have reassured Washington and other allies the government will match Musharraf's security efforts.

Foreign relations

- Ties between the new government and Washington are good and should remain so as long as the US is satisfied the government is doing enough to stop militancy, in particular attacks into Afghanistan.

Economy

- The government has vowed to turn its attention to economic problems after Musharraf leaves. Inflation is at its highest in years, and trade and fiscal deficits are widening. An end to the uncertainty over Musharraf should ease investor worry.

The next president

- Analysts say Bhutto's widower, Asif Ali Zardari, might want the job, in which case he will want to keep the powers.

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