An Indian media account reports that the CIA is plotting to topple Pervez Musharraf in Pakistan, replacing him with a military officer likely to reach out to that country's political parties:

The US sent head-of-state hunters from the Central Intelligence Agency to scour the Pakistani military apparatus to identify a suitable replacement for General Pervez Musharraf.

The extraordinary recruitment mission — reflecting the seriousness of purpose and urgency with which the Bush administration wants to oust its ‘most valuable ally’ — was disclosed recently by a well-placed diplomatic source.

The source said that some time last year, policymakers in Washington, DC, had begun to explore ways to establish a more democratic and civilian system in Pakistan. The plan was formulated despite Musharraf’s firm grip on the affairs of state and his record of serving American interests in the war on terrorism.

A team of CIA operatives was subsequently sent to the country to sort out pro-US army officers, one of whom could be considered Musharraf’s successor as the commander-in-chief. A vital skill required of the candidate was the capacity to enhance engagement with pro-democracy forces, which would eventually lead to the establishment of a civilian government.