Musharraf resigns as Pakistan president
Monday, 18 Aug 2008 19:12
Pervez Musharraf resigns as Pakistan president (BBC)
Pakistan In Focus
Pervez Musharraf's resignation leaves a big hole in Pakistani politics – one which analysts expect the west will look to the military to fill. Full Story
Pakistan's under-pressure president Pervez Musharraf has resigned, claiming he wants to "turn the country over to the people's hands".
In a passionate televised address he said that "Pakistan is sliding down fast" but claimed he had always but his country first.
"Pakistan is my love. I have always tried to do by best for Pakistan," he said.
Profile: Pervez Musharraf
Mr Musharraf had been under increasing pressure by the country's ruling coalition to resign before he was potentially impeached.
Yesterday, Pakistan's defence minister said the ruling parties were planning on filing impeachment charges within the next 48 hours.
Opinion: Musharraf's disastrous legacy
A draft impeachment was thought to include charges of violating the constitution and gross misconduct.
Speaking today, Mr Musharraf criticised the potential impeachment charges stating the country's "dignity would suffer".
In defiant mood, he claimed: "I'm not scared about any charges sheet; I'm not worried about any charge sheet. No-one can prove any allegations against me, God willing."
Mr Musharraf had been under severe pressure since last year when he sacked Pakistan's chief justice as well as 60 of the country's top judges to prevent any legal objection to his re-election as president.
Timeline: Musharraf and Pakistan
He praised the country's military for supporting him during his time in office, saying: "From the bottom of my heart, I thank them for the support them have give me."
He added that he was thankful for all the "political friends" who helped him in running the country.