19. Musharraf Steps Down

BREAKING NEWS, 4.20pm

by P.Vijian, BERNAMA

NEW DELHI, Aug 18 (Bernama) - Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf announced his resignation in Islamabad Monday, avoiding an impending impeachment move by the present government.

In an address to the nation this afternoon in Islamabad, Musharraf said he had tendered his resignation to the parliament.

The 65-year-old president, a former army general, seized power in a bloodless coup from then prime minister Nawab Sharif in 1999.

He was Pakistan's fourth military ruler and single-handedly ruled Pakistan for almost nine years.

Pakistani media reported that Musharraf is likely to go into exile in Saudi Arabia.