Pakistan's ruling coalition parties say they have agreed "in principle" to start impeachment proceedings against President Pervez Musharraf.
Pakistan's ruling coalition parties say they have agreed "in principle" to start impeachment proceedings against President Pervez Musharraf.
Party representatives are said to be looking at a draft impeachment resolution, but further details about how it may proceed were not available.
Party representatives are said to be looking at a draft impeachment resolution, but further details about how it may proceed were not available.
The president's allies were defeated in elections in February, but he has so far resisted pressure to quit.
The president's allies were defeated in elections in February, but he has so far resisted pressure to quit.
Latest reports say Mr Musharraf has cancelled a trip to the Olympics.
Latest reports say Mr Musharraf has cancelled a trip to the Olympics.
News agencies quoted the foreign ministry as saying Prime Minister Yousef Raza Gilani would attend the Games' opening ceremony in Beijing instead.
News agencies quoted the foreign ministry as saying Prime Minister Yousef Raza Gilani would attend the Games' opening ceremony in Beijing instead.
But there has been no confirmation from the president's office.
But there has been no confirmation from the president's office.
Correspondents say the question of whether or not to impeach Mr Musharraf has threatened to divide the coalition.
Correspondents say the question of whether or not to impeach Mr Musharraf has threatened to divide the coalition.
The governing Pakistan People's Party (PPP) emerged as the largest party in the February elections, defeating Mr Musharraf's political allies.
The governing Pakistan People's Party (PPP) emerged as the largest party in the February elections, defeating Mr Musharraf's political allies.
In second place was the PML-N of Narwaz Sharif, whom President Musharraf ousted in a 1999 coup.
In second place was the PML-N of Narwaz Sharif, whom President Musharraf ousted in a 1999 coup.
Military question
Military question
The two parties formed an alliance in March, but have since been split over the issues of presidential impeachment and the reinstatement of judges sacked by President Musharraf during a state of emergency in November.
The two parties formed an alliance in March, but have since been split over the issues of presidential impeachment and the reinstatement of judges sacked by President Musharraf during a state of emergency in November.
The PML-N pulled out of the federal cabinet in May when PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari refused to move immediately on these issues.
The PML-N pulled out of the federal cabinet in May when PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari refused to move immediately on these issues.
The rift has caused a sense of paralysis in the government, which is under pressure to tackle militancy and a worsening economy.
The rift has caused a sense of paralysis in the government, which is under pressure to tackle militancy and a worsening economy.
The president has previously said he would prefer to resign than face impeachment.
The president has previously said he would prefer to resign than face impeachment.
Last year, he gave up control of the army, the country's most powerful institution, but he retains the power to dissolve parliament.
Last year, he gave up control of the army, the country's most powerful institution, but he retains the power to dissolve parliament.
How the military reacts to any efforts to oust him would be crucial in determining his fate.
How the military reacts to any efforts to oust him would be crucial in determining his fate.
Are you in Pakistan? What is your reaction? Should President Musharraf be impeached? Send us your comments using the form below.
