Aug 18 2008
Parvez Musharraf quits from Presidency!
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf declared his resignation from his post on Monday. Meanwhile Senate Chairman Mohd Mian Soomro will take over as Acting President.
Ending his nine-year reign since 1999, Musharraf said, “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.”
While addressing to nation Musharraf said, “I’m worried Pakistan is going down abyss rapidly, poor people are being affected.” 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.
Musharraf resigned in wake of a humiliating impeachment move, but his tenure was in a state of decline ever since he imposed emergency to pre-empt a judicial ruling on his October 2007 re-election, revoked the measure and quit as army chief under intense international and domestic pressure, entering uncharted waters as a civilian president.
“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.” He said.
Musharraf recalled the days of his time in 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.
Worried and emotional Musharraf said, “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. I am proud I have kept Pakistan intact.”
During his farewell, Musharraf inspected the guard of honor 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.
Finally before leaving, 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 prayed for his nation. He called upon ‘Allah’ to keep his Pakistan safe and solve the problems of its people. He ended his words saying, “Pakistan Khuda Hafiz.”
There are rumors 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.
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