Musharraf loses allies ahead of impeachment bid

Embattled Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf lost the support of some allies yesterday, with provincial legislatures dominated by his opponents increasing pressure on him to step down before a bid to impeach him.

Mr Musharraf has been at the centre of a political crisis since early last year that has raised fears among the US and its allies for the stability of the nuclear-armed Muslim country, which is also a hiding place for al Qaeda leaders.

Speculation has been rife that former army chief Musharraf, a firm US ally, would quit.

This came after the ruling coalition, led by the party of slain former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, said last week that it would impeach him for plunging Pakistan into a political and economic mess during his nearly nine-year rule.

But Mr Musharraf's spokesman said the ex-commando would not resign and would face any charges brought against him.

A President has never been impeached in Pakistan but political analysts said a proceeding against Mr Musharraf looked inevitable unless he stepped down.

"The tidal wave is sweeping the country. Even his own former allies are now voting against him," Information Minister Sherry Rehman told reporters.