The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, Islamabad

Political allies of Pervez Musharraf acknowledged Wednesday that the Pakistani president could quit rather than face impeachment, as another provincial assembly voted against him and speculation mounted that his resignation was imminent.

While Musharraf has given no public sign that he plans to resign, political pressure is mounting on the U.S. ally, who dominated Pakistan for eight years until February elections brought embittered rivals to power. Asked late Wednesday whether he would stay in office to help the country, Musharraf told a group of well-wishers, "God willing, I will try." The president spoke at an official function to mark Pakistan's Independence Day, which falls on Thursday.

In an address later broadcast on national television, the president said Pakistan needed political stability to fix its economy and fight terrorism.

"I appeal to all elements to adopt an approach of reconciliation so that there is political stability and we can firmly confront the real problems facing the country," he said. "Differences should be buried."

Earlier, the assembly in southern Sindh province passed a resolution urging him to resign - the third of Pakistan's four provinces to do so this week. An impeachment motion could be introduced in the federal parliament next week accusing the president of violating the constitution and gross misconduct.

The pro-Musharraf Pakistan Muslim League-Q party says the allegations are designed to deflect public attention from the government's failure to tackle economic and security problems. Inflation is running at over 20 percent and Islamic militancy is rife.

While the party says it wants Musharraf to fight the impeachment, it acknowledges he could relinquish the presidency.