Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on Monday announced his resignation amid speculation after the impeachment motion put forth by the country’s ruling coalition. His nearly nine-year long rule after seizing power in a bloodless coup in 1999 comes to an end with his address to the nation.
Musharraf was under pressure from the democratic coalition government to either relinquish or face the impeachment motion in the Parliament, which could have the first impeachment of a President in Pakistan’s 61-year history.
In his address to the nation telecast live on TV, Pervez Musharraf defended his deeds and persisted the accusation against him were all false and whatever his action were all for national interests.
An emotional Musharraf said: "In the interest of the country, I have decided to resign. The resignation will reach the National Assembly Speaker shortly."
He said he leaves office knowing whatever he has done was for the interest of Pakistan.
“Impeachment and chargesheet is the right of the Parliament and I have the right to defend myself against these charges. I am confident that no charge can be proved against me. All my actions were for the good of the people and the country,” Musharraf quoted as saying in his resignation speech.
“I want the people to be the judges and let them decide my fate. I am a human being and may have committed follies,” he ended as saying.
Musharraf, 65, after grabbing power in October 1999, ousting Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif enjoyed the ultimate power of Army Chief and the President for eight long years, but his association with United States as a strong ally to the war against terrorism, his actions in imposing emergency and the decision to sack chief justice were not in interest of keeping his popularity tag intact.
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