Islamabad, Aug 13 : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that his country’s Army Chief Gen. Ashfaq Kayani was “highly professional and pro-democracy”, by not interfering into the process of impeachment of President Pervez Musharraf.

Gilani said this while speaking to reporters in response to a question about the role of the Pakistan Army in politics of the country.

“I want to assure you that COAS Gen Kayani is a highly professional officer and he is pro-democracy,” the Daily Times quoted Gilani as saying.

Washington, Aug 13 : Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf must resign from the Presidency for the maintenance of law and order in his country, restoration of deposed judges and providing relief to the masses, said US Senator Tom Harkin.

The Senator said this in a statement issued from the White House here.

Islamabad, Aug 13 : Senior PML-N leader Ch Nisar Ali Khan has said reportedly that the country’s next President would be from a smaller province, and that his party was already working to find a suitable candidate for the post, after Pervez Musharraf is removed though impeachment.

Talking to reporters outside the parliament house, he said former chief justice Saeeduz Zaman Siddiqui, Asfandyar Wali Khan and veteran Baloch leader Sardar Ataullah Mengal were respected figures and one of them could be considered for the post, reported the Dawn.

Islamabad - At least 10 Islamic militants, including some suspected al-Qaeda fighters, were killed in an overnight aerial strike in Pakistan's South Waziristan tribal district bordering Afghanistan, officials said on Wednesday.

Multiple missiles targeted a compound used by the followers of a hardcore pro-Taliban tribal commander, Mullah Nazir, in Baghar village, located some 30 kilometres west of the region's main town of Wana late Tuesday night.

Islamabad, Aug 13: Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the US had nothing to do with President Pervez Musharraf’s impeachment, an exhaustive charge-sheet of which has been prepared.

He said that the Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani was a thorough professional and wanted to strengthen democracy in the country, by not supporting Musharraf.

Talking to journalists after National Youth Award (NYA) ceremony here, the PM said that President’s impeachment would bring about a positive change in the system and it was not against any personality.

Lahore, Aug 13 : US envoy to Pakistan, Anne W Patterson has reportedly urged PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif to consider providing a “safe passage” to President Musharraf.

Reacting to the request, Nawaz said that all decisions would be taken by parliament in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the people, reported the Daily Times.

During their meeting, matters relating to the impeachment of Musharraf, the on-going military operation in the Tribal Areas (FATA) and current political situation were discussed.