Pressure mounting on Musharraf to quit

The commander of the army’s 111 Brigade, a brigadier perceived as being loyal to Musharraf, was replaced but a military spokesman said this was part of routine transfers and postings.

The 111 Brigade is responsible for the security of the President as well as the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The News quoted sources as saying that Musharraf has “made up his mind to call it a day” and that he could make an announcement in this regard “at any time”.

Musharraf’s closest aides were quoted as saying that the President has made up his mind to lead a retired life “after losing all hope of survival in power”.

However, presidential spokesman Maj Gen (retired) Rashid Qureshi dismissed reports about Musharraf’s plans to quit this morning. He said that such speculation was “just rumours”. Qureshi had denied reports about Musharraf stepping down on Wednesday too.

Military spokesman Maj Gen Athar Abbas described Wednesday’s meeting between Musharraf and Kayani as “routine”.

Pointing out that Kayani frequently meets Musharraf, Qureshi said the President and the army chief had discussed “prevailing security and political situation”.

The reports and rumours about Musharraf planning to step down came in the wake of ruling Pakistan People’s Party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari’s description of the President as “a relic of the past” standing between the people and democracy.

PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif said on Wednesday that Zardari had agreed with his suggestion that Musharraf should be removed. Media reports said Brig Asim Bajwa, who earlier served as Musharraf’s military secretary and was considered to be loyal to the President, had been replaced as commander of the 111 Brigade.

Bajwa was appointed commander of the Brigade, which has played a key role in military coups in the past, by Musharraf before he gave up office of army chief in November last year.

But military spokesman Maj Gen Abbas said Bajwa’s posting was “part of a bulk posting order that included 478 officers” of the rank of brigadier and colonel.

He said the order was issued a month earlier and that Bajwa was proceeding for a professional course after completing his command tenure.

There was also a report that the commando unit looking after Musharraf’s security had been changed but Abbas denied this too.

“Not a single commando has been removed from its present assignment,” he said. Media reports said the President had been asked by “important officials” not to consider any step that may “further aggravate the already fragile political situation” in Pakistan.

Musharraf had consented to leave the Army House immediately “before calling it a day”, the reports said. The reports suggested that Musharraf would get “safe passage” after leaving his office. However, PML-N chief Sharif had said on Wednesday that Musharraf should not be given a “safe exit” and should instead be tried for treason.