President Musharraf of Pakistan remained defiant yesterday, denying reports of his imminent resignation, and clinging on to power in spite of his growing political isolation and the looming threat of impeachment.

As tension over his fate mounted, the Pakistani military tried to broker a deal that would allow the head of state to make an honourable exit and retire with immunity from prosecution.

Sources close to the military said that secret talks were under way to avoid impeachment proceedings. A deal would end the former general's rule of almost nine years and complete the transition to democracy.

Ahmad Mukhtar, the Defence Minister, said yesterday that the ruling coalition was in touch with Mr Musharraf's aides. “We have conveyed to them that the coalition is determined for impeachment and if he wants to save himself, the best way is for him to quit,” Mr Mukhtar said. The talks have dragged on, with the Pakistan Muslim League (N), led by Nawaz Sharif, the former Prime Minister and junior partner in the fractured coalition Government, insisting that Mr Musharraf be tried for sedition.

The former general, who seized power in 1999, is fighting for his political survival after the ruling alliance decided last week to proceed with an impeachment motion against him. A close aide predicted that he would be out within a few days.

The military has indicated that it would not allow its former chief to go through impeachment and be humiliated. “The military will not let him be persecuted,” a senior army officer said. Its high command is also becoming increasingly concerned by the political turmoil triggered by the power struggle. Some observers fear that the impeachment process could draw military intervention.

No previous Pakistani leader has been impeached but proceedings against Mr Musharraf appear inevitable if he stands his ground against the coalition Government. The chances of him surviving the vote are increasingly slim, with several of his old allies ready to switch.

Mr Musharraf effectively became politically isolated after his rivals swept parliamentary elections in February. The governing coalition, led by the Pakistan People's Party, decided to press for impeachment, saying that Mr Musharraf had plunged Pakistan into political and economic crises during his tenure.

Analysts said that the stand-off might not go as far as an impeachment motion in Parliament because it is almost certain that Mr Musharraf would lose. His best way out would now seem to be a dignified exit before Parliament debates the impeachment.

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