ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf dismissed mounting speculation he is preparing to resign while political opponents and media on Friday clamored for his departure after eight years in power. A late-night meeting this week between Musharraf and his successor as army chief fueled rumors that the longtime U.S. ally in its war on terror would resign. The new civilian government wants to strip the president of key powers, and some in the coalition are seeking his impeachment.Speaking at a dinner with top government officials late Thursday, Musharraf denied there were differences between him and army chief Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and rejected a report in The News daily that he had “made up his mind to call it a day."
“It was a routine meeting and we discussed issues. We have the best of associations. There is no problem whatsoever," Musharraf said in footage broadcast by state-run Pakistan Television. Kayani and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani were also present at the dinner.
PTV quoted Musharraf as saying the prime minister has “my full cooperation" in working for development of the country.
U.S. President George W. Bush gave his backing to the embattled former army strongman in a telephone call on Friday. Bush “reiterated the United States' strong support for Pakistan and he indicated he looks forward to President Musharraf's continuing role in further strengthening U.S.-Pakistani relations," White House press secretary Dana Perino said.
The pro-government party of former premier Nawaz Sharif, who was ousted in Musharraf's coup, has demanded the president's impeachment. The main ruling party of Asif Ali Zardari is less intent on that course but wants to strip Musharraf of powers to dissolve parliament.
Several major newspapers on Friday urged the president to resign.