Pakistan begins search for new leader
Tuesday, 19 Aug 2008 09:27
Pervez Musharraf resigned yesterday
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 government has begun the process of looking for a new president.
Pervez Musharraf resigned from the position on Monday in a defiant national address after sustained pressure from the ruling coalition parties.
Mr Musharraf was repeatedly threatened with impeachment charges of violating the constitution and gross misconduct.
The coalition, made up of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawz (PML-N), as well as searching for a new president will also seek to restore the senior judges removed their positions in November by Mr Musharraf.
Mohammedmian Soomro, the senate chairman, is currently acting as the stand-in president.
Mr Musharraf's resignation was met with caution around the world, with an Afghanistan foreign ministry spokesman Sultan Ahmad Baheen telling the AFP news agency: "We hope that the resignation of President Musharraf... leads to a strengthening of the civilian government and democracy in Pakistan."
British foreign secretary David Miliband, meanwhile, said: "The announcement by president Musharraf that he is standing down as president brings to a close a critical period in Pakistan's history and its relations with the UK and other countries.
"The responsibilities on political leaders in Pakistan are now significant. They need to come together to ensure that the recently elected government carries forward an economic and security agenda consistent with the long-term interests of the Pakistani people."