It so seems that finally Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf has decided to step down as Pakistan’s head of state amidst the growing political heat in Islamabad. Musharraf, whose supporters were recently badly beaten in the nationwide elections by the opponents, was seen stubbornly refusing to stand down. However, he is said to be gradually coming to terms with the fact that after the popular verdict he had no power base left.

There are strong signs evident that he is planning to announce his exit within a week. The first sign came in the shape of the resignation of Tariq Azim, the PML-Q Information Secretary. Indeed Azim was brought to the party by no one other than Musharraf himself and was known in the party circles as the President’s man. The fact that his resignation came after Musharraf’s meeting with the new Army Chief General Kiyani also gave birth to the rumors that the general had asked him to step down. However, my military sources expressed their ignorance of such a discussion without ruling out the possibility of change at the presidential quarters. Meanwhile it is also being rumored that he has been asked to vacate the Army House, traditionally the residence of the army chief and not the president.

The fact that for the first time in the history of the country and since the establishment of the body, Pakistan is not being represented by the head of the state in the OIC’s Dakar Summit, to be held from 13 to 14 March is being viewed as another sign of that. In Musharraf’s stead the country is going to be represented by a minister.

In case of his retirement he is likely to get immunity from any future litigation or political criticism. This is said to be a sticky point with the victors as the People’s Party views it as an attempt at seeking immunity from any possible implication in Benazir’s murder conspiracy. If this issue is resolved, and there are behind the scenes parleys already underway, Musharraf is likely to step down and leave the country for a highly protected life abroad along with the family within a week. Yet another important change can be evidently seen in the attitude of the country’s shrewd bureaucracy, which never takes risks has started changing its allegiance and is giving the election victors more importance.

He is said to have reached this decision after the realisation that there was no dignified way to remain in office left. In a clear bid to push the country to another military takeover the Chaudheries of Gujarat, the leaders of the party loyal to him, have reportedly urged him emphatically to dissolve the assemblies and call for fresh elections. However, in a rare display of dignity he is said to have refused to do so. Our sources claim that if the talks fail Musharraf may chose to deny the possibility of resigning within next twenty four hours.

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