Pakistan's ruling coalition said today it would move to impeach President Pervez Musharraf for plunging the country into political and economic crises and warned him against any attempt to dismiss the government.
The move is likely to deepen political uncertainty in Pakistan, which already faces a faltering economy and a growing threat from Islamist militancy.
The uncertainty has taken a toll on Pakistani markets, with the main share index at its weakest in almost two years and the rupee headed back towards all-time lows posted in early July.
Asif Ali Zardari, widower of assassinated former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and head of the coalition, said parliament would be called this month to begin impeachment proceedings.
"The coalition leaders believe that it has become imperative to move for impeachment," Mr Zardari, flanked by his major coalition partner, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, told a news conference.
"This person committed an oppression against Pakistan. That's why the parliament has decided to impeach him," Mr Sharif said.
"The economic policies pursued by General Musharraf during (the) last eight years have brought Pakistan to the brink of critical economic impasse," a joint statement read by Mr Zardari said. "He has worked to undermine the transition to democracy."
Mr Musharraf's spokesman was not immediately available but his allies say he would fight the impeachment.
Mr Musharraf seized power as a general in 1999 by toppling Mr Sharif and effectively ruled Pakistan single-handedly for eight years, but became considerably weakened after he stepped down as chief of the country's powerful army which has run the country for more than half of its 61 years of independence.
He has become increasingly unpopular at home and lost parliamentary support after his allies suffered a massive defeat in February elections, but has resisted calls to stand down.
Mr Musharraf had previously said he would resign rather than face impeachment proceedings. Even so, Pakistani political circles have been awash with speculation he could dismiss parliament in an attempt to prevent it.
Under the Pakistani constitution, a president could be ousted if an impeachment motion wins a two-thirds majority of the combined strength of the National Assembly and Senate. Mr Zardari was confident the impeachment motion would be passed with an overwhelming majority.
Reuters