'Pak army wants to oust Zardari through legal means without military coup'

Islamabad, Dec 23(ANI): Pakistan army wants to oust President Asif Ali Zardari through legal means rather than staging coups, military sources have said.

The revelation comes in the wake of escalating tensions between Pakistan government and army over the Memo gate scandal leading to former envoy Husain Haqqani's resignation, and deadly November 26 NATO airstrike in the country's Mohmand Agency.

"Who isn't fed up with Zardari? It's not just the opposition and the man on the street but people within the government too," The Daily Times quoted a military source, as saying.

"But there has to be a proper way. No action is being planned by the army. Even if we tried, it would be very unpopular and not just with the government and the opposition but most Pakistanis too," he added.

Another military source said no direct action would be needed to overthrow the government, which has come under the scanner for making several blunders.

A Pakistan military spokesperson declined to comment on the issue.

The fourth military coup could further tarnish Pakistan military's image which has already dealt a severe blow after the Abbottabad operation that killed former Al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden.

Analysts said army could step up pressure on Zardari to step down, especially if his involvement in the Memo Gate scandal is proved.

Pakistan army has earlier staged three military coups to topple government and ruled the country for over 32 years.

Saudi Arabia, which exercises considerable influence in Pakistan due to its economic assistance, has expressed concern over the friction between Pakistan's army and the government. (ANI)