Pakistani President Musharraf Resigns

By Pamela Mortimer

President Pervez Musharraf officially resigned from office on Monday, after nine years as Pakistan’s Commander in Chief. Musharraf’s resignation came just days before opponents vowed to impeach him for hindering Pakistan’s return to a democratic society.

According to Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, leaders of the country’s ruling coalition will decide whether to continue impeachment proceedings against Musharraf.

Musharraf has ruled Pakistan since 1999, when he overtook the government in a military coup. Although Musharraf’s reign was accepted by the people for a number of years, the last twelve months have shown a dramatic drop in the President’s approval ratings.

Musharraf made an hour-long televised speech Monday, stating that he would hand over his resignation to the National Assembly. It remains unclear when the National Assembly intends to make it official. Serving as interim president will be Mohammedmian Soomro, the Chairman of the Upper House of Parliament.

It has been speculated that Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari, leaders of the country’s two main political parties, are interested in taking over Musharraf’s position. However, it may take some time for Parliament to decide on the successor because opponents vow to limit the power of the incoming president.

Musharraf claimed the resignation was rendered in an effort to spare Pakistan from an impending political power struggle. The soon-to-be former president stated he was content that all he had done "was for the people and for the country."

"I hope the nation and the people will forgive my mistakes," Musharraf said.

Along with the televised address, television cameras focused on factions of citizens celebrating the resignation in the streets. Some even fired automatic weapons into the air.

"It is a victory of democratic forces," said Information Minister Sherry Rehman. "Today, the shadow of dictatorship that has prevailed for long over this country, that chapter has been closed."

"It is very pleasing to know that Musharraf is no more," said Mohammed Saeed, a shopkeeper taking the opportunity to celebrate along with a crowd of people in Peshawar.

"He even tried to deceive the nation in his last address. He was boasting about economic progress when life for people like us has become a hell," Saeed said.

Some citizens believe Musharraf’s offenses are so severe that he should be tried for treason, a crime punishable by death.

While some speculate President Musharraf will go into exile after the resignation is accepted, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, leader of Musharraf’s main party, stated that Musharraf would live in at his farmhouse located on the outskirts of Islamabad.