Pakistan coalition to begin impeachment move against Musharraf

The leader of Pakistan's ruling coalition announced impeachment proceedings against President Pervez Musharraf on Thursday, calling the move "good news for democracy."

Asif Ali Zardari,the widower of assassinated former prime minister Benazir Bhutto who now heads the Pakistan Peoples Party, made the announcement at a joint press conference with his coalition partner, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

The move would subject Musharraf, a high-profile U.S. ally in the war against al-Qaeda and the Taliban, toa confidence voteinparliament and could spark further political strife similar to the turmoilin Pakistanin the wake of Bhutto's slaying last December.

The coalition, whichholds a majority in Pakistan's parliament since its victory in February's elections, must secure two-thirds of the vote in both housesto impeachMusharraf, who ousted Sharif in a bloodless coup in 1999.

Musharraf has previously said he would resign rather than face impeachment proceedings. But there arefears that Musharraf couldusethe power he retains to dismiss parliament.

But Zardari said any such move would be Musharraf's "last verdict" against the Pakistanipeople.

"Democracy is not so weak that this article could be invoked," he said.

Close ties to military

The coalition has been split over how to proceed against Musharraf, who has beenpolitically sidelinedsince the defeat of his allies inthe February elections.

The two main parties also reportedly disagree on whether the judges ordered removed by Musharraf from the country's Supreme Court early last year should be restored.

Musharraf stepped down as army chief last year to run for a third term in office, but still has close ties to the military, which has intervened in political disputesin the past.

Musharraf was prepared to go to Chinato attendthe Beijing Games, despite the reports that the ruling coalition has agreed on steps to remove him. But the Foreign Ministry announced Thursday that Prime MinisterYousaf Raza Gilani would attend in his place.