Islamabad, Aug 12 : Out of the total 54, more than 30 Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) belonging to the Kings’ Party - the PML-Q - stayed away from their party meeting last evening, thereby giving a big jolt to Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf who is facing impeachment proceedings from the PPP-led ruling coalition.

Chaired by former premier Ch Shujaat Hussain and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, the meeting announced complete support to President Musharraf and to defend him in parliament if the government brought an impeachment motion against him.

The pro-impeachment group within the PML-Q held its separate meeting at the parliament lodges, reported The News.

The PML-Q’s parliamentary party decided to defend Musharraf in parliament if the coalition brought the impeachment motion and to expose those who got relief under the NRO. Addressing the meeting, Hussain said if the present rulers termed the President unconstitutional a constitutional question would be raised on the legality of the present government, whose prime minister as well as cabinet took oath from the President.

He also said that the Supreme Court has validated the actions taken by President Pervez Musharraf in the past. (ANI)