Showdown with Musharraf looms for Pakistan coalition

By Augustine Anthony

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Leaders of Pakistan's civilian coalition pondered over the fate of President Pervez Musharraf on Thursday as speculation grew that the U.S. ally might be stripped of his powers and possibly be impeached.

Such a move would almost certainly plunge the nuclear-armed Muslim nation into a new bout of political instability unless the former army chief, who came to power in a coup nine years ago, decided to go quietly.

Musharraf, due to go to China early on Thursday to attend opening ceremonies for the Beijing Olympics, delayed his departure because of the uncertainty hanging over him. He has already put off the visit by a day.

Officials said Musharraf might either depart in the evening or postpone the visit.

He lost parliamentary support after an election last February that resulted in a civilian coalition government led by the party of the late Benazir Bhutto, a two-time prime minister who was assassinated while campaigning last December.

Asif Ali Zardari, Bhutto's widower and head of the ruling alliance, met Nawaz Sharif, leader of the second largest party, to resolve differences over the issues of Musharraf's impeachment and the restoration of Supreme Court judges who were dismissed by Musharraf last November during a period of emergency rule.

A spokesman for Sharif's party said there had been "some interruption" over the restoration of deposed judges but hoped that it would be resolved in the talks.

Leaders of the coalition parties are expected to give a news conference later in the evening.