Sharif's party: No immunity for Musharraf

The second-largest party in Pakistan's ruling coalition held firm yesterday against providing President Pervez Musharraf legal guarantees against prosecution, a stance that could prove a hurdle in efforts to avoid his impeachment.

Allies and rivals of Musharraf have said backchannel talks are under way that could lead to the president's exit before an impeachment motion reaches parliament. Ruling coalition officials said yesterday that a draft of the impeachment charge sheet is awaiting final approval from senior party leaders and that proceedings could begin early next week.

Musharraf spokesman Rashid Qureshi insisted on Friday that the president is not stepping down. Whether he changes his mind could depend on if Musharraf's rivals can stomach granting him immunity and the freedom to stay in Pakistan in exchange for his resignation.