Biggest hurdle to democracy has been removed: Pak coalition

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said 8220;it8217;s a realistic decision in view of the way things were unfolding.8221;

Qureshi said the 8220;democratic leadership of the coalition8221; will decide on whether to grant a safe exit to Musharraf. 8220;I am sure they would assess the speech, the consequences and repercussions, and they would also keep in mind the political developments in the country and reach a decision,8221; he said.

The PPP-led coalition had been tightening the noose around Musharraf, threatening to table a chargesheet against him in Parliament on Tuesday.

Hundreds of PPP workers burst into celebrations outside the home of party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari on hearing of the President8217;s decision to step down.

The workers distributed sweets and shouted slogans hailing slain party chairperson Benazir Bhutto and her widower Zardari.

PPP leader Farzana Raja said it was 8220;a victory for the democratic forces and ideals of the party that Musharraf had been made to step down in a constitutional manner8221;.