Musharraf to Quit Within 72 Hours

Will seek to avoid impeachment
By Sam Biddle,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 14, 2008 1:08 PM CDT
Musharraf to Quit Within 72 Hours
Pakistani lawyers burn a U.S. flag and an effigy of President Pervez Musharraf during a protest in Islamabad, Pakistan, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008.    (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf will resign within the next few days, the New York Times reports, avoiding impeachment from Parliament. Political pressure became insurmountable for Musharraf, having lost most of his key governmental allies and support from the military. Details as to the manner in which Musharraf will step down, and whether he will remain in Pakistan, remain unclear.

Musharraf’s popular support has collapsed amid accusations of economic mismanagement, declaration of emergency rule in November, and firing almost 60 judges. Many fear the country could be plunged into political tumult after Musharraf’s exit, though the Pakistani constitution mandates a new presidential election within 30 days of his departure. (More Pervez Musharraf stories.)

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