Pervez Musharraf was today virtually forced out of power, resigning in the face of imminent impeachment bringing an end his nine turbulent years at the helm amidst speculation that he may be exiled to Saudi Arabia.
A stony-faced 65-year-old Musharraf announced his decision to step down in an hour-long emotional address to the nation, which was televised internationally.
He announced that he was resigning in order to avoid a conflict between national institutions like the Presidency and the government. He also, in his speech, dismissed charges levelled against him by the ruling coalition, saying none of them could be proved. His resignation’s news set off celebrations across the country.
His characteristic bluster missing, a taut and emotionally-charged former army chief, who seized power in 1999 months after leading the Pakistani army in the disastrous Kargil war, stepped down after declaring “this is not not the time for individual bravado”.
In the backdrop of persisting reports over the last few days that the US, Britain and Saudi Arabia were negotiating with the PPP-led government for Musharraf’s “safe exit”, speculation continued that he may leave the country to live in Jeddah or in Turkey but there was no confirmation from his side or from the ruling coalition.
Twice during his reign, Musharraf brought Pakistan on the brink of war with India. First when he organised the invasion of Kargil and second after the Pakistan-supported attack on Indian Parliament in 2001.
But he also cooperated in ensuring relative peace along the Line of Control in Jammu & Kashmir during the last five years. Yet, he made no mention of India or Jammu & Kashmir in his farewell address. Ironically, the separatists in Kashmir welcomed his political demise.