Pakistanis Fete Musharraf Resignation
Source: Alalam.ir, 19-8-2008
LAHORE--Jubilant celebrations erupted in many cities across Pakistan immediately after President Pervez Musharraf announced his resignation from the post in the face of an impeachment.
Musharraf resignation brings the curtain down on his turbulent nine years in power to avoid the first impeachment in the nuclear-armed nation's history.
Musharraf was automatically replaced by caretaker President Muhammad Sumroo who is the speaker of the Senate.
Sumroo, speaker of the Senate and a political ally of Musharraf, will lead the country until a new election is held by parliament.
It was unclear whether Musharraf, who took power in a bloodless coup in 1999, will face prosecution now that he is out of power.
At the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA), the lawyers took to the streets and congratulated each other while dancing to show their approval.
They said that the resignation was a result of their movement and the sacrifices they had rendered for the restoration of democracy and the independence of the judiciary. However, they termed it a partial victory, as the sacked judges have not yet been reinstated.
During their celebrations, many lawyers were also seen busy on their mobile phones, congratulating their friends and relatives. They also distributed sweets amongst each other.
Leaders of Pakistan's ruling coalition are due to discuss their next steps after the exit of their long-time opponent, President Musharraf.
The coalition, led by the parties of the late Benazir Bhutto and ex-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, held a first, inconclusive round of talks on Monday.
Coalition leaders are due to gather again on Tuesday in the capital Islamabad, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.
On Monday, Sharif, who leads the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), met Asif Ali Zardari, leader of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) of Benazir Bhutto, and other coalition figures.
Sources say their talks are focused on the nomination of the next president and the restoration of judges deposed by Musharraf.
The PPP and PML-N distrust each other and have already said different things about Musharraf's future.
Zardari's party said it believed he might have immunity from prosecution.
But Sharif's party argues he should stand trial for, among other things, abrogating the Constitution.
The parties are also likely to differ on whether to reinstate the judges and are thought to have differences of emphasis on how to tackle a violent insurgency on the Afghan border.
Musharraf left his official residence in Islamabad for the last time after announcing his resignation in a televised address.
He inspected a last military guard of honor before leaving the palace in a black limousine.
LAHORE--Jubilant celebrations erupted in many cities across Pakistan immediately after President Pervez Musharraf announced his resignation from the post in the face of an impeachment.
Musharraf resignation brings the curtain down on his turbulent nine years in power to avoid the first impeachment in the nuclear-armed nation's history.
Musharraf was automatically replaced by caretaker President Muhammad Sumroo who is the speaker of the Senate.
Sumroo, speaker of the Senate and a political ally of Musharraf, will lead the country until a new election is held by parliament.
It was unclear whether Musharraf, who took power in a bloodless coup in 1999, will face prosecution now that he is out of power.
At the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA), the lawyers took to the streets and congratulated each other while dancing to show their approval.
They said that the resignation was a result of their movement and the sacrifices they had rendered for the restoration of democracy and the independence of the judiciary. However, they termed it a partial victory, as the sacked judges have not yet been reinstated.
During their celebrations, many lawyers were also seen busy on their mobile phones, congratulating their friends and relatives. They also distributed sweets amongst each other.
Leaders of Pakistan's ruling coalition are due to discuss their next steps after the exit of their long-time opponent, President Musharraf.
The coalition, led by the parties of the late Benazir Bhutto and ex-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, held a first, inconclusive round of talks on Monday.
Coalition leaders are due to gather again on Tuesday in the capital Islamabad, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.
On Monday, Sharif, who leads the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), met Asif Ali Zardari, leader of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) of Benazir Bhutto, and other coalition figures.
Sources say their talks are focused on the nomination of the next president and the restoration of judges deposed by Musharraf.
The PPP and PML-N distrust each other and have already said different things about Musharraf's future.
Zardari's party said it believed he might have immunity from prosecution.
But Sharif's party argues he should stand trial for, among other things, abrogating the Constitution.
The parties are also likely to differ on whether to reinstate the judges and are thought to have differences of emphasis on how to tackle a violent insurgency on the Afghan border.
Musharraf left his official residence in Islamabad for the last time after announcing his resignation in a televised address.
He inspected a last military guard of honor before leaving the palace in a black limousine.
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