Zardari terms Musharraf's resignation as a victory for democracy

Islamabad, Aug 18 : Congratulating the heads of the ruling coalition on President Pervez Musharraf's resignation on Monday, PPP-co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari termed Musharraf's resignation as a victory for democracy and the people of Pakistan.

Commenting on the President's decision to step down, PPP-co-chairman said the president's resignation would strengthen democracy in the country.

Meanwhile, President Pervez Musharraf vacated Aiwan-e-Sadr after stepping down from the office of President.

He was accorded a 'guard of honour' before leaving the President's House.

Before departing, the former president met with many important figures including the Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kiyani and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Tanvir Mehmood Ahmed.

Chairman Senate, Muhammad Mian Soomro has taken over as acting President of Pakistan after the former president Pervez Musharraf's resignation.

President Pervez Musharraf resigned after remaining in power for nine years.

He announced resignation from his post in an address to the nation Monday.

He dismissed the "false allegations" being leveled against him by the coalition government and said he was neither afraid of the charges against him, nor shy to face these through impeachment.

"For me it is always Pakistan first", Musharraf said and added that politics of confrontation must come to an end and instead a policy of reconciliation be pursued.

He stressed immediate measure be taken to arrest the economic downturn and said the nation has the resilience to withstand any challenge.

He said it was not a time to show bravado, but to get serious as country's dignity was at stake, the office of Presidency would bear the brunt, The News reported.

ANI