Musharraf’s olive branch — compromise on judges

ISLAMABAD: In a major climb-down, President Pervez Musharraf has sent a message to Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Zardari that sacked judges of the higher courts could be reinstated provided they don’t hear cases against him, an official privy to the developments told IANS on Thursday. The new package offered to the PPP, which is discussing details of government formation with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, has apparently come in the form of a message conveyed through a common friend. “The presidency is ready to restore the judges provided they don’t sit on benches hearing cases against the president,” said the top government official. He said the presidency had also suggested that judges appointed by Musharraf after November 3 would be accommodated in the same positions or transferred to government positions usually held by serving judges. “Musharraf has also agreed to forego powers of sacking parliament and appointing services chiefs,” the official said, adding that in return he wanted an assurance that no impeachment move would be tabled. According to the official, Zardari has not directly refused the options given by the presidency but said he would discuss this with his partners. online

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