Musharraf again delays Beijing trip

Musharraf delays his departure for China to attend the Olympics opening for the second time in as many days amid crucial talks between ruling coalition allies on his fate.

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on Thursday delayed his departure for China to attend the Olympic Games opening for the second time in as many days amid crucial talks between ruling coalition allies on his fate.

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Musharraf had abruptly cancelled his scheduled visit to China on Wednesday citing "developments at home" only to change his decision in the evening when the Foreign Office announced that he had "rescheduled" his visit.

The beleaguered leader, who faces a hostile government, was scheduled to leave for Beijing at 8 am but official sources said he had deferred his departure till the evening.

Opposition PML-Q leaders, who met Musharraf, quoted him as saying that he would continue to play his constitutional role. The President would also use his constitutional powers to counter any move to impeach him, the leaders said.