Musharraf has made up his mind to resign’

President Pervez Musharraf has made up his mind to resign before the impeachment process is started next week and modalities are being discussed on the issues of his place for living and the fate of his property after his resignation, informed sources told Business Recorder. The sources said that at one time the president had agreed to quit, but linked it with withdrawal of impeachment plan announced by the coalition government.

“Musharraf’s departure from President House is almost certain. There are some other issues, which are now being discussed,” said a senior political leader. President’s spokesman Rashid Qureshi, however, rejected the impression that Musharraf was set to resign. “All these are rumours and nothing else,” he asserted. The President’s Camp Office in Army House Rawalpindi was the center of hectic activity on Friday as it was visited by political leaders including the Chaudhris of Gujrat and some foreign guests from Saudi Arabia.

Saudi intelligence chief was among the people who held meetings with Musharraf. There is no detail available on the meeting as Rashid Qureshi was again quick to deny any meeting of embattled Musharraf with any Saudi official. He also denied that Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Chaudhry Pervaiz Ilahi had met Musharraf.

According to PML (N) leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan the only issue that is being discussed right now is to find a piece of land on the face of the earth where Musharraf could stay after his impeachment or resignation. However, some sources are of the view that Musharraf is also concerned about his security, property and certain other issues.

Some circles are of the view that secret tour of Saudi intelligence chief was part of the plan aimed at saving Musharraf from impeachment. Secretary information of pro-Musharraf PML (Q) Tariq Azeem on Friday told a foreign news agency that efforts are afoot to save Musharraf from impeachment.

However, the Q leader later retracted from what he said. He asserted that Musharraf has not yet decided to quit. The Saudi officials’ tour also signifies that Musharraf is definitely leaving. The president is seeking some concessions including not to try him in court after he called it a day.

According to some sources in meeting with PML (Q) leaders, Musharraf accused Pakistan Muslim League-N Chief Nawaz Sharif of creating political instability in the country. They discussed in detail the pros and cons of the impeachment move made by ruling coalition against President Musharraf.

The president reiterated his resolve that he will not resign on this occasion saying he was elected by the Parliament and he will hold the office for five years. He said the resignation reports are being spread under a conspiracy, according to the sources.

Most of the PML (Q) leaders who were contacted by the Business Recorder did not deny that Musharraf is going to resign. Mushahid Hussain Syed said he was unaware of president’s resignation. First, he should remain determined and face the impeachment. Secondly, Musharraf must rescind NRO and reinstate sacked judges before he decides to quit, Mushahid said.