No decision yet on Musharraf impeachment, successor

Pakistan's ruling coalition is yet to take a collective decision on the possible impeachment of beleaguered President Pervez Musharraf and his successor in the event of his removal as the head of state.

Pakistan8217;s ruling coalition is yet to take a collective decision on the possible impeachment of beleaguered President Pervez Musharraf and his successor in the event of his removal as the head of state.

Though the head of the Senate or upper house of parliament becomes the acting president in case the President steps down or is removed, current Senate Chairman Mohammedmian Soomro is not acceptable to the ruling Pakistan People8217;s Party, sources said.

PPP sources were quoted by the influential Dawn newspaper as saying that the matter had come up for discussion with its ally PML-N and the PPP had said in 8220;very clear terms8221; that Soomro 8220;was not the suitable person for the post of the President8221;.

The PPP and PML-N, the two major partners in the ruling coalition, are yet to take a collective decision on Musharraf8217;s impeachment, sources from both parties said. The PML-N8217;s moves to impeach Musharraf were termed as 8220;unilateral8221; by the PPP sources.

PML-N parliamentarian Hanif Abbasi said that 48 lawmakers of his party had signed a motion for Musharraf8217;s impeachment that would be introduced in parliament soon. It was not clear if the move had the backing of the PML-N8217;s top leadership.

PPP sources said the impeachment of the President was not under consideration for the time being. 8220;However, the possibility cannot be ruled out in the future,8221; a source told the Dawn.

Under the constitution, if the President steps down or is removed, the Senate Chairman becomes acting president till the new head of state is elected by the Senate, the National Assembly and four provincial legislatures.

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Senate Chairman Soomro is perceived as being close to the previous regime headed by Musharraf and had served as caretaker Prime Minister in the interim government that oversaw the February 18 general election.

PPP leader and Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar said recently that party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari could be the party candidate for the office of President in case his power to dissolve the National Assembly was not removed.

PML-N sources said a decision on Musharraf8217;s successor would be taken by the top leadership of the two parties.

Noting that the PPP was not only the single largest party in the National Assembly but also a formidable force in Sindh, Punjab and other provinces, the PML-N sources said the PPP had a stronger claim to the post of President.

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They said the joint candidate could be decided once Musharraf is thrown out of office.