The End or a New Beginning

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf on Monday announced that he was stepping down from the post, amid tremendous pressure from the ruling coalition government to do so. “For the sake of the nation and people, I’m resigning. I don’t want anything from anybody. I’m not vindictive. Let the people be the judges. Let them do justice. I’m going with the belief that I have done everything for the nation with honesty,” Musharraf said in a live televised address to the nation. The President added that he will submit his resignation to the National Assembly in a shortwhile. Senate Chairman Mohd Mian Soomro will meanwhile take over as Acting President. While announcing his decision to step down, a emotional Musharraf said, “Even if the impeachment motion (to be brought against him) is defeated, the relationship between the President and the government will not be alright.” There might also be tensions between the Parliament and judiciary and even the Army might get dragged into it, he added. “I’m worried Pakistan is going down abyss rapidly, poor people are being affected,” he said. Quoting recent opinion polls, Musharraf said that 80% of the population wanted him to stay. “But I’m resigning so that there should be no more uncertainty in Pakistan,” he added. An emotional Musharraf asked his supporters to accept his decision for the sake of the country, saying, “If this (the current impasse with the ruling coalition) would have been on a personal level, I would have done something else.” On the plans to impeach him, an aggressive Musharraf said that he was not afraid of any chargesheet. “Not even one charge can stand against me,” he said, adding “but the question is: should a personal issue lead the country into an instable phase. Can the country take any of this? Will it be right that the office of the President be subjected to impeachment?” “I may win or lose impeachment, but the people, the nation will definitely lose. I love Pakistan. I’m ready to give my life for the nation. I will never do anything that puts nation in the peril.” In a bid to seek Musharraf’s impeachment, Pakistan’s ruling coalition has prepared a chargesheet against him, which was to be filed in the National Assembly today. At the start of his speech, Musharraf said that it was a day of important decisions for him, adding God is with him. “Seen Pakistan through worst times” The President also said that he has seen Pakistan through the worst of times in the last eight years. The challenges that Pakistan has faced and successfully tackled during my tenure have never been faced by any other Pakistan ruler, Musharraf added. “When I took over Pakistan’s reign in 1999, the country was in tatters. It was set to be declared a terrorist state. I have worked hard for last eight years and turned challenges into opportunities,” Musharraf said further in his address. “I am proud I have kept Pakistan intact,” he added. The ex-General further said that he has kept Pakistan and its people in mind whenever trying to resolve any problem. “I gave a slogan ‘Pakistan first’ from the core of my heart,” he added. He also lashed out at the current rulers, saying some people who have always kept their self-interest above Pakistan’s are leveling false allegations against him. “They have cheated Pakistan’s people,” he added. Talking about reconciliation, Musharraf said that he always wanted that and is ready to create an atmosphere for that. As proof of his sincere attitude, the President said that he was never involved in politics of vendetta and victimization of anybody. Enumerating the highlights of his rule, Musharraf said that the economy was sound when he was at the helm of power. He talked about the GDP which was at 7% as late as December 2007 and that Pakistan was rated high by international rating agencies. But over the past eight months, the economy has begun a downslide, with foreign exchange reserves, stock exchange, currency rates falling. Prices of all essential commodities have also increased, he added. Apparently, moved by the importance of the “moment” in his life, Musharraf said, “I thank the defence forces for their loyalty and also the people of Pakistan for the love they bestowed on me. I’m a common man, part of the middle class. I know their difficulties. I hope the government looks into it.” He went on to call upon ‘Allah’ to keep his Pakistan safe and solve the problems of its people. The man who ruled Pakistan for nine long years, in a way played a crucial part in the sub-continent’s history, bid adieu by saying, “Pakistan Khuda Hafiz.” Musharraf gets farewell guard of honour Looking sombre, Musharraf inspected the guard of honour presented by a tri-services contingent on the forecourt of the Presidency. A military band played martial tunes during the brief ceremony. Musharraf then shook hands with members of his staff at the Presidency before leaving the imposing building in the heart of Islamabad for the last time. He then drove to his camp office in the nearby garrison city of Rawalpindi. Where will Musharraf go? The announcement of resignation came amid conflicting reports that Musharraf might go in exile. Reports also suggested that a Saudi plane is on a standby at the Rawalpindi airport, fuelling speculation that Musharraf might fly to Saudi Arabia after his address to seek asylum in the Islamic Kingdom. It may be noted that top US officials have said that granting asylum to the beleaguered Pakistan President was not on the cards. Some reports also suggested that the former Army Chief may seek refuge in Turkey where he owns a house and spent his formative years. As of now he will be staying at the Army House until the government takes a decision on him. Sources said that he has been assured of a safe exit by the Army and has been assured security in Pakistan. "Technically, Musharraf can stay for another one month in the Army House but will be provided security as a former President," said an official. However, neither Musharraf in his televised speech nor the ruling coalition have said a word about his future. Replying to a question, Information Minister Sherry Rehman said that the coalition leaders will decide on Musharraf's future. Musharraf seized power in a bloodless military coup in 1999 and then imposed a State of Emergency in November last year to push his re-election to another five-year term through the Supreme Court.