Embattled Musharraf calls for reconciliation

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- As Pakistan celebrated 61 years of independence, embattled President Pervez Musharraf called Thursday for political reconciliation, and gave no indication of the growing possibility of his impeachment or that he might step down.

"To fight against terrorism and to solve economic problems, political stability is necessary," he told an audience at the president's house in the early hours of the country's Independence Day.

"For political stability, a reconciliation approach should be adopted," he said. "Differences should be buried. Pakistan first," he said, as hundreds of protesters marched outside the compound, holding signs and chanting, "Go Musharraf go."

At the close of his speech, the president raised both fists, and congratulated the nation on its 61st birthday.

"Long live Pakistan," he said, returning to a white sofa he had shared with his wife earlier in the evening to watch music and dance performances during the state-run celebration.

Sitting down, he took off his glasses, and wiped the sweat from his face.

Three out of the nation's four provincial assemblies have passed resolutions asking him to step down.

If he decides not to do so, he would face impeachment, warn the resolutions from Sindh, Punjab and North West Frontier provincial assemblies.

The resolutions are non-binding, but they signal a growing drumbeat by Pakistani lawmakers to pressure the politically embattled president to leave office. Timeline: Musharraf's hold on power »

Ruling coalition leaders Asif Ali Zardari -- the widower of slain former premier Benazir Bhutto -- and ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif announced last week that the government will pursue impeachment against Musharraf.

Despite that announcement, Musharraf invited some members of the ruling coalition to the celebration at the president's house -- one of two state-run celebrations that began Wednesday night and continued through early Thursday. The other took place at a military school in Kakool, just outside of the capital city.

None of his political foes attended the celebration. Members of the Pakistan Muslim League-Q, the party that backs the president, were among the audience at the president's house.

Musharraf seized power in a bloodless coup nine years ago and ruled Pakistan until his foes swept to victory in parliamentary elections in February. He has seen his power erode significantly since then. Still, any parliamentary process to unseat him would be arduous.

The ruling coalition would have to compile a list of charges against Musharraf to impeach him. Once lawmakers submit charges, the National Assembly -- the lower house of Parliament -- would vote on whether to move forward with impeachment.

A majority vote would be required for the charges to be considered. Next would come an actual vote on impeaching Musharraf.

Pakistan became independent from British colonial rulers on August 14, 1947. The British separated the subcontinent into two sections -- predominantly Hindu India and predominantly Muslim Pakistan.

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