Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf resigns
Facing impeachment, Musharraf insists he is innocent but asks supporters to accept his decision. His departure could hamper efforts against Islamic insurgents in the region.
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — President Pervez Musharraf, facing impeachment, resigned today, insisting on his innocence but saying he did not want to subject the country to a draining political battle.
The departure of Musharraf, a crucial if problematic U.S. ally, could complicate the fight against Islamic insurgents.
Even though his policy influence had sharply diminished in recent months, Musharraf still had some sway in military and intelligence circles. The civilian government has had particular problems in asserting authority over the latter.
After a months-long struggle, the political end came quickly for the 65-year-old leader.
"I am announcing my resignation," a somber-looking Musharraf, clad in a dark suit and tie, said in a nationally televised address only hours before parliament was set to convene in a prelude to taking up impeachment charges. "All my well-wishers should accept my decision . . . for the good of the nation."
Pakistanis did more than accept Musharraf's decision. Crowds took to the streets in wild celebrations, firing guns into the air, throwing flowers and passing out sweets in a traditional show of rejoicing.
The Pakistani leader had been under intense pressure to step down since the country's ruling coalition announced on Aug. 7 that it would seek to impeach him -- a move that would have been unprecedented in the country's 61-year history.
Pakistan, whose all-but-lawless tribal areas are believed to harbor Taliban and Al Qaeda militants, perhaps including Osama bin Laden, has been a prime focus of U.S. concerns over regional stability and flagging efforts to suppress Islamic insurgents. The Bush administration has worried that the sudden departure of Musharraf could heighten turmoil in the nuclear-armed South Asian country.
For the moment, the transition appeared orderly. Hours after his speech, Musharraf gave himself a ceremonial military-style send-off. As stipulated by the Pakistani Constitution, the chairman of the senate, Mohammadmian Soomro, took over as acting president. A new president is to be picked within 30 days.
In the longer term, though, the ruling coalition could quickly be riven by power struggles between its two main parties. At times, it has seemed like the partners' only common interest has been to drive Musharraf out.
