We need political stability in Pakistan: Musharraf

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf, who is under mounting pressure to resign, called on Thursday for political stability and reconciliation to tackle economic and security problems.
Musharraf, speaking in a televised Independence Day address, did not refer to a plan to impeach him drawn up by a coalition government led by the party of assassinated former prime minister Benazir Bhutto. (See Ninan’s Cartoon)

The former army chief and firm US ally also did not refer to the calls for him to step down.

"If we want to put our economy on the right track and fight terrorism then we need political stability. Unless we bring political stability, I think we can't fight them properly," Musharraf said.

"Political stability, in my view, can only be brought through a reconciliation approach as opposed to confrontation," he said. "This is the need of the hour."

Musharraf rakes up J&K violence

In an apparent bid to divert attention away from the impeachment threat looming over him, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday night condemned the "human rights violations" in Jammu and Kashmir. ( Watch )

"Every Pakistani is with our brothers and sisters in Srinagar. Kashmir beats in the heart of every Pakistani," Musharraf said.

Condemning "human rights violations" in Jammu and Kashmir, he said the recent violence over Amarnath land row also claimed the life of Hurriyat leader Sheikh Abdul Aziz.

The PPP-led ruling coalition has plans to submit a "chargesheet" against the former military ruler in parliament next week, accusing him of misconduct, violation of constitution and financial irregularities.

Source : Times Of India