Musharraf quits army role
Wednesday, 28 Nov 2007 15:46
President Musharraf has stood down as the head of Pakistan's army
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Pakistan's president Pervez Musharraf has stood down as head of the country's army following intense international and domestic pressure.
General Musharraf handed over control of Pakistan's military to a former intelligence service chief during a ceremony at the army's headquarters in Rawalpindi.
His successor, General Ashfaq Pervez Kiani, was handpicked by Gen Musharraf – who had long-promised to surrender his role as head of Pakistan's army given his ongoing role as the country's president.
Gen Musharraf is now due to be sworn in as Pakistan's civilian president tomorrow, in a move which will end eight years of military rule in the nation.
Dressed in full military uniform, Pakistan's leader reflected on his army career as hundreds of senior officers, politicians and civilians watched today's ceremony – which was also screened on the country's national television channel.
"I'm proud of this army and I was lucky to have commanded the world's best army," Gen Musharraf said, in comments quoted by the Associated Press.
"I will no longer command ... but my heart and my mind will always be with you," he assured Pakistan's people.
Gen Musharraf's decision to finally surrender military power follows growing criticism of his rule in Pakistan.
Last week Pakistan was suspended from the Commonwealth over the maintenance of a state of emergency in the country.
The emergency rule was imposed by Gen Musharraf on November 3rd, with the president claming the action was necessary to tackle an overly-powerful judiciary and the growing threat posed by Islamist militants.
General elections are due to be held on January 8th in Pakistan, but Gen Musharraf has yet to indicate when the emergency rule will end.