August 10, 2008	Sunday	Sha’aban 7, 1429

ISLAMABAD, Aug 9: President Gen Pervez Musharraf has accepted the advice of his political allies to defend himself against coalition parties’ charge-sheet in a “democratic way” and not to use the option of dissolution of assemblies under Article 58(2)b even as a last resort, informed sources told Dawn.

The president was given this advice by PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Chaudhry Parvaiz Elahi who dashed from Lahore on an emergency call to discuss a future course of action with the president.

It was their second meeting with the president at the Rawalpindi camp office within the past 72 hours.

The two leaders told the president that neither the people nor the establishment would like dissolution of assemblies. The president was informed that he had been left with two options: either to resign or face impeachment proceedings in parliament. The president was assured of full support by the PML-Q if he decided to defend himself in parliament against the impeachment move.

The president, who had earlier refuted the charge of abrogation of the Constitution, insisted in his interaction with politicians on Saturday that what he had done on Nov 3 (proclamation of state of emergency) was a need of the time and in the interest of the nation.

The PML-Q chief, who was quoted by media on Friday as hinting at the possibility of the president using his powers under Article 58(2)b if things turned ugly, surprised many by saying “we have successfully persuaded the president to give up that option”.

President Musharraf also met former federal minister Dr Sher Afgan Khan Niazi, who briefed him how to defend himself in parliament. Mr Tariq Aziz, a top confidant of the president, was present during these meetings, the sources said.

Mr Musharraf said he had worked sincerely for the restoration and strengthening of democracy and he still wished to work with the new government.

He, however, accused Nawaz Sharif of using Asif Ali Zardari against him for personal motives.

Mr Musharraf said he would fight back and defend himself against the charge-sheet in a democratic way but would not resign, saying he had done nothing wrong.

The sources said that the option of moving the Supreme Court was also dropped after a legal advice that the top court could not intervene in parliamentary matters because parliament was the supreme body.

Chaudhry Shujaat told reporters after the meeting that his party would oppose the impeachment move.

He accused the ruling parties of being involved in horse-trading.