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Journalism of Courage
Rumours about a special aircraft being prepared to fly embattled President Pervez Musharraf out of Pakistan and convening of parliament for his possible impeachment kept political circles abuzz here on Friday despite his assertion that he had no plans to quit.
Musharraf last night dismissed reports about his resignation and his differences with the army, saying they were part of a “malicious campaign” to create unrest in Pakistan. He said he believed in reconciliation and not confrontation, and would continue to support the new elected government.
Despite the President’s denial, rumours continued to swirl about his ouster from office and preparations being made for him to leave Pakistan and travel to a friendly country like Turkey. It has for long been speculated in political circles here that Musharraf owns a home in Turkey but the presidency has dismissed such claims.
The local media too played up some of the rumours, with one newspaper reporting that a “special wide-bodied Airbus A-310 plane” had arrived at the military airbase of Chaklala near Rawalpindi to “take special passengers to a close neighbouring country”.
The report even claimed that “packing at an important house in Rawalpindi is in full swing as modalities have been finalised for the exit of the significant family” a tacit reference to Musharraf’s family.
Senate Chairman Mohammedmian Soomro’s premature return from a visit to Germany fuelled rumours that a session of parliament might be convened for taking up a motion to impeach Musharraf. There was also speculation that Soomro might be appointed president if Musharraf stepped down.
Soomro, who had gone to Berlin to attend a NATO parliamentary session, was scheduled to return to Pakistan next week. However, reports said he would return by the weekend.
There were also reports that special security arrangements had been made in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi and special contingents deployed at important installations like the Army House, Musharraf’s official residence.
A TV channel reported that the PPP had conveyed a message to the Presidency that Musharraf should step down by June 10 or face impeachment. However, PPP spokesman Farhatullah Babar denied his party had conveyed any such message, saying it was not in touch with the Presidency.
Babar said, “It is better if Musharraf steps down from his post instead of being impeached or removed. He should read the writing on the wall. The people overwhelmingly voted against him in the general election.
“He himself said that if the people voted against him and for parties like the PPP and PML-N, he would step down. Now that the time has come, he should understand this and resign. As PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari has said, Musharraf is a relic of the past and people don’t want to see him stay on as the President.”
People also made numerous calls to newspaper offices to find out if Musharraf was leaving for Turkey or if he had been arrested.
