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Islamabad: President Pervez Musharraf on Monday brought the curtain down on nine years of turbulent rule, saying he did not want to prolong the political uncertainty in Pakistan.
In the face of impeachment by parliament, the 65-year-old president announced his resignation in an address broadcast live. Lawmakers immediately accepted it.
Senate Chairman Mohammadmian Soomro took over as acting president in accordance with the constitution. He will hold the office until a new president is elected within two months.
"It is not the time for any personal bravado," said the former army chief who doffed his uniform in December.
Leaders of the coalition government on Tuesday set about seeking a replacement for Musharraf and tackling pressing economic and security problems.
Domestic television, the president's political allies and even his senior official aides continued to claim that Musharraf would choose to fight impeachment rather than meekly throw in the towel.
Musharraf dismissed the charge sheet prepared against him by the ruling coalition led by the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) of slain former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) of Nawaz Sharif.
"No charge sheet can stand against me ... No charge can be proved against me," Musharraf said.
Without naming anyone, but apparently referring to the PML-N leadership, he said certain elements were engaged in a "vendetta" and confrontation.
Musharraf said he finally came to the conclusion that even if the impeachment move was defeated, a climate of confrontation would continue between the presidency and the coalition government.
As a result, he said he decided to step down and send his resignation to the Speaker of the National Assembly.
With input from agencies
Your comments
Pervez Musharraf should remain in the government becuase we don't want Zardari or Nawaz Sharif as they were deeply hurt Pakistan when they were in the government before. We appreciated Musharraf's policies and salute his courage and good governance and he will remain always in our hearts.
Raja
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: August 18, 2008, 16:43
Today shall be remembered as a dark day in Pakistan's history.
Musharraf was the last obstacle for the coalition alliance which they have eliminated successfully, now we have to look forward to where Pakistan stands in next 6 months.
Danish
Karachi,Pakistan
Posted: August 18, 2008, 16:35
This is a sad day for Pakistan. The forces of corruption have driven a man of principle from his position of leadership. The saying goes: "every country has the government it deserves."
I wish only the best for Pakistan, but I fear a return to the same old corrupt quagmire.
Scot
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 18, 2008, 16:31
No one learns lesson from history. When you take over against the sentiments of people either you have to do some extraordinary work to survive or quit in a shameful manner. It would remain debatable for some time that how a commando became a coward.
Long Live Pakistan.
Mustansar
Lahore,Pakistan
Posted: August 18, 2008, 16:24
At last the dictator could not face the pressure from the public and stepdown. It is right that democracy is the best revenge.
Muhammad
Kamoke,Pakistan
Posted: August 18, 2008, 16:22
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