Pakistan's President Musharraf resigns; new elections to be held

August 23, 2008

Former Pervez Musharraf, of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, has vacated the presidential home of  after stepping down from the office of President. On Monday, , signed and accepted the resignation of President Musharraf.

He was accorded a guard of honour before leaving the President’s House. President Musharraf resigned after remaining in power for nine years.

He had been facing impeachment on charges of violating the and gross misconduct. The was an August 2008 attempt by the Pakistan Peoples Party, the, , and  to force Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf out of office.

Pervez Musharraf announced his resignation at 13:00 Local time (07:00 UTC) in a televised address to avoid impeachment. In it, Pervez Musharraf explained in his reasons for resigning.

"If I was doing this just for myself, I might have chosen a different course," Musharraf said, early in the speech. "But I put Pakistan first, as always," he continued. "Whether I win or lose the impeachment, the dignity of the nation would be damaged, the office of the president harmed."

Just three days ago, the chief spokesperson for Pervez Musharraf denied reports that came out 14 August, 2008 indicating that the president would step down within days.

Before departing, President Pervez Musharraf met with many important figures including, the Chief of the Staff, and Air Marshal Tanvir Mehmoodand, Chief of  Staff. President Musharraf says he has no plans to leave the country and will remain with his family in.

of the, , took over as Acting President of Pakistan after the departure of President Pervez Musharraf's.

The Secretary, Kanwar Dilshad, announced on August 22, 2008 that the presidential election will be held on September 6, 2008. The Central Executive Committee of Pakistan People’s Party has nominated the Pakistan People's Party Co-chairman, for the post of president of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.