In a televised address to the people of Pakistan on August 18, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf announced his resignation. “After viewing the situation and consulting legal advisers and political allies, with their advice I have decided to resign,” said a grim-faced Musharraf, adding: “I leave my future in the hands of people.”
Musharraf, who seized power in 1999 coup, was given two days by the ruling coalition to step down or face impeachment. The former army chief and key US ally has seen his popularity slide over the past 18 months and has been isolated since his allies were crushed in the February general election. Once the most powerful man of Pakistan and a blue-eyed boy of the US, Musharraf was facing the toughest time in his life with the four-party ruling coalition promising to complete his impeachment process within days.
Sources privy to Musharraf say that Lt General Taj, who is considered a good friend of the embattled president, played an effective role in persuading him to resign. Musharraf has reportedly stepped down under a secret deal brokered by Saudi Intelligence Chief Prince Maqrin Bin Abdul Aziz, who secretly arrived in Pakistan on August 15. Besides Saudi Arabia some influential western powers and Arab states were also involved in brokering a face-saving deal for Musharraf from behind the curtain. The government has been under constant pressure from some “friendly countries” and international powers to halt the impeachment plan.
Under the agreement, Musharraf will resign and move to his sprawling residence in the Chuk Shahzad area of Islamabad, from where he will go abroad. In return, the ruling coalition will drop all charges against him and grant indemnity to all his previous acts. Musharraf will enjoy all perks and privileges of a former president, including a VIP security protocol. As per the agreement, no case of financial corruption or criminal nature will be registered against Musharraf.