ID :
16306
Tue, 08/19/2008 - 00:43
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/16306
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Pak ruling coalition claims victory as Mush bows out
Islamabad, Aug 17 (PTI) Pakistan's triumphant ruling coalition Monday termed President Pervez Musharraf's decision to resign "a victory for democratic forces" as impromptu celebrations by workers of Pakistan People's Party andPakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) erupted across the country.
"The biggest hurdle in the way of democracy has been removed," Pakistan People's Party chief Bilawal Bhutto told reporters shortly after the 65-year-old President decided to bow out rather than face a humiliating impeachment motionagainst him by the ruling coalition.
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said "it's a realistic decision (in view of) the way things were unfolding." Qureshi said the "democratic leadership of the coalition" will decide on whether to grant a safe exit to Musharraf. "I am sure they would assess the speech, the consequences and repercussions, and they would also keep in mind the political developments in the country and reach adecision," he said.
The P.P.P.-led coalition had been tightening the noose around Musharraf, threatening to table a chargesheet againsthim in Parliament on Tuesday.
Hundreds of P.P.P. workers burst into celebrations outside the home of party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari onhearing of the President's decision to step down.
The workers distributed sweets and shouted slogans hailing slain party chairperson Benazir Bhutto and her widowerZardari.
P.P.P. leader Farzana Raja said it was "a victory for the democratic forces and ideals of the party that Musharrafhad been made to step down in a constitutional manner".
"It is a victory of democratic forces," Information Minister Sherry Rehman said. "Today the shadow of dictatorship that prevailed for long over this country has been lifted." Qureshi said the nation had spoken in the February 18general election.
"The parliament was more or less decided to move in a particular direction... (Musharraf's decision) will hopefully bring political stability to Pakistan and you can see theimmediate reaction in the stock markets, which have risen.
"I hope it has a positive impact on the country and it will remove uncertainty. Democracy should gain strength andmomentum," the Foreign Minister added.
The P.P.P.'s main ally P.M.L.-N. has been insisting that Musharraf should be held accountable for his actions overthe past nine years.
However, Qureshi said a decision on this would betaken by the coalition's leadership.
On who would be the country's next President, Bilawal Bhutto said "I am sure it will be someone from Pakistan People's Party."
"The biggest hurdle in the way of democracy has been removed," Pakistan People's Party chief Bilawal Bhutto told reporters shortly after the 65-year-old President decided to bow out rather than face a humiliating impeachment motionagainst him by the ruling coalition.
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said "it's a realistic decision (in view of) the way things were unfolding." Qureshi said the "democratic leadership of the coalition" will decide on whether to grant a safe exit to Musharraf. "I am sure they would assess the speech, the consequences and repercussions, and they would also keep in mind the political developments in the country and reach adecision," he said.
The P.P.P.-led coalition had been tightening the noose around Musharraf, threatening to table a chargesheet againsthim in Parliament on Tuesday.
Hundreds of P.P.P. workers burst into celebrations outside the home of party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari onhearing of the President's decision to step down.
The workers distributed sweets and shouted slogans hailing slain party chairperson Benazir Bhutto and her widowerZardari.
P.P.P. leader Farzana Raja said it was "a victory for the democratic forces and ideals of the party that Musharrafhad been made to step down in a constitutional manner".
"It is a victory of democratic forces," Information Minister Sherry Rehman said. "Today the shadow of dictatorship that prevailed for long over this country has been lifted." Qureshi said the nation had spoken in the February 18general election.
"The parliament was more or less decided to move in a particular direction... (Musharraf's decision) will hopefully bring political stability to Pakistan and you can see theimmediate reaction in the stock markets, which have risen.
"I hope it has a positive impact on the country and it will remove uncertainty. Democracy should gain strength andmomentum," the Foreign Minister added.
The P.P.P.'s main ally P.M.L.-N. has been insisting that Musharraf should be held accountable for his actions overthe past nine years.
However, Qureshi said a decision on this would betaken by the coalition's leadership.
On who would be the country's next President, Bilawal Bhutto said "I am sure it will be someone from Pakistan People's Party."
