Pervez Musharraf Resigns: A Turning Point in Pakistan's Civil-Military Balance

August 18, 2008 - Islamabad, Pakistan - President Pervez Musharraf resigns under threat of impeachment

Background: From Coup Leader to Embattled President

Pervez Musharraf seized power in a bloodless coup on October 12, 1999, ousting Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Initially serving as Chief Executive, he later appointed himself President in 2001. His tenure was marked by:

• Alignment with the U.S. in the post-9/11 "War on Terror"

• Suspension of Pakistan's Constitution in November 2007

• Dismissal of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry

• Declaration of a state of emergency and postponement of elections

These moves, widely seen as authoritarian, triggered mass protests and eroded Musharraf's domestic legitimacy.

Electoral Defeat and Impeachment Threat

In the February 2008 general elections, Musharraf's party, the Pakistan Muslim League–Q (PML-Q), suffered a major defeat. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), led by Benazir Bhutto's widower Asif Ali Zardari, and the Pakistan Muslim League–N (PML-N), led by Nawaz Sharif, formed a coalition and initiated impeachment proceedings.

On August 7, 2008, the coalition formally demanded Musharraf resign or face impeachment for:

• Violating the Constitution

• Gross misconduct

• Undermining judicial independence

The Resignation Speech

On August 18, Musharraf addressed the nation in a televised speech. Calm and defiant, he stated:

“Not a single charge can be proved against me... I leave myself in the hands of the people.”

He emphasized his role in stabilizing Pakistan and warned against political infighting. Yet, he conceded that continued confrontation would harm the country.

Aftermath and Succession

Following his resignation:

• Muhammad Mian Soomro, Senate Chairman, became caretaker President

• Asif Ali Zardari was elected President on September 6, 2008

Musharraf's departure marked a rare moment in Pakistan's history: a military leader stepping down under civilian pressure without direct intervention from the armed forces.

Regional and International Reactions

• U.S.: Praised Musharraf as a key ally in counterterrorism

• Afghanistan: Welcomed his resignation as a boost to democracy

• India: Expressed concern over potential instability

Legacy and Lessons

Musharraf's resignation underscored the fragility of Pakistan's democratic institutions and the enduring tension between civilian governance and military influence. His mixed legacy includes: Tremendous economic growth, improving Pakistan's infrastructure, liberalizing Pakistan's media, and playing a major role in counter terrorism efforts. Musharraf has been criticized for his suspension of the constitution, interference in judicial affairs, ruling through emergency decrees, and his crackdowns on dissent and violating civil rights.