Pervez Musharraf, who stepped down as army chief last year, has now resigned from the post of President today. His resignation has not surprised political observers as major political parties in Pakistan already had decided to impeach him and this was the only safe corridor for him. However, where would he go after the resignation is not yet known.

 

Musharraf said that after consultations with legal advisers and close political supporters and on their advice, he has decided to resign. Further he said that his resignation will go to the speaker of the National Assembly and he has left his future in the hands of nation and people of Pakistan. His resignation has brought mixed reactions from different sides.

 

However, the event has brought an end to the political standoff that began when he tried to dismiss the chief justice in March last year. Now, the existing government would be able to reverse many of his actions. Notwithstanding how bad he has been for democracy in Pakistan, he was one Muslim leader who was with US against war on terrorism.

 

His disappearance from Pakistan politics will mean the deprivation of the West of its most important partner in the campaign against Islamic extremism. Also, some countries are worried about power vacuum in Pakistan. There were reports that if Musharraf leaves Pakistan, it may go into the clutches of Islamic fundamentalists. The country is heavily dominated by Muslims, and many are pro-Taliban.