Two of Pakistan’s most influential political parties have jointly called for the impeachment of the country’s President Pervez Musharraf. The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) led by Asif Zardari and Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N), who have previously agreed on little else since forming a government 4 months ago, appear united over an issue that could critically destabilise Pakistan as a whole.
The calls for impeachment stem from Musharraf’s conduct last November when, following his re-election, he dismissed around 60 members of Pakistan’s judiciary, and suspended the country’s constitution for nearly two months. Under the 1973 constitution impeachment of an incumbent President is only permissible under a certain number of scenarios. Specifically these include gross misconduct, physical or mental impairment or by acting in a way deemed to have violated the constitution itself. The Pakistani Parliament’s attempt for impeachment will almost certainly rest on this (constitutional violation) basis.
History at least is on Musharraf’s side: Pakistan has never seen one of its Presidents impeached. Nevertheless Musharraf does not appear to be complacent about the severity of Parliament’s challenge. President Musharraf still has the option of dismissing Parliament, something that would severely undermine attempts to impeach him, though this would likely force a fresh election. Crucial perhaps is the stance of the military, an institution that has hitherto expressed a desire to remain outside of politics.
Musharraf, despite relinquishing his military rank so as to remain in office, still possesses strong links with the military and any perceived support from them may embolden his dealings with Parliament. Moreover, Zardari and Sharif’s coalition will need at least a two-thirds majority amongst Parliamentary members, something that is by no means guaranteed. The PPP and PML-N may ultimately have to court the smaller political parties including independents and religious hardliners.
Yet such a compromise may not be beyond the realms of possibility if the purported resolve of the PPP’s leader is anything to go by: “We want to make a new Pakistan” proclaimed Zardari “We have the votes and the political will”.
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Tim Tonkin, 
Musharraf
Impeachment
Pakistan
