Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf resigns

Islamabad, Aug 18 PPI: Pakistan's President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf Monday announced his decision to step down from office.

In televised address to the nation he said: ``I have decided to resign after nine years in power. After viewing the situation and consulting legal advisers and political allies, I have decided to resign. I leave my future in the hands of people." Musharraf denied any of impeachment charges against him could stand. "Not a single charge in impeachment can stand against me. No charge can be proved against me because I never did anything for myself, it was all for Pakistan." He felt relations between Presidency and the government would never improve and rather create serious political and judicial crisis for the country if I continued as President. I have decided to resign to save the country from such crisis.'' He recalled when he took over in October 1999, the economy was in shambles and Pakistan was to be declared as failed and terrorist state. "Pakistan faced serious challenges but I served nation keeping its interest supreme. Certain elements kept personal interests above national and lied to deceit people disregarding how much harm they could cause to the country through such acts.''