BRIEF: Musharraf Gives Up Army Command

Photo of Pakistan President Musharraf, AFP

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan- President Pervez Musharraf has officially ended his command as Army Chief, a move that has been long-awaited in Pakistan and the international community.  This brings an end to 8 years of military rule in the country.  Musharraf passed the military command to General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani in a ceremony in Rawalpindi earlier today.

Musharraf will be sworn in for his second term as President on Thursday.  As a civilian President he will still retain extensive powers, including the ability to remove a civilian government.  He also retains the power to enforce emergency rule, such as the one that he has kept in force since November 3rd.  Musharraf maintains that elections will still occur in January, however has not provided a date for the end of emergency rule.

For more information, please see:

BBC News - Musharraf gives up army uniform - 28 November 2007

Impunity Watch - BRIEF: Musharraf Will "Most Probably" Resign As Army Chief - 26 November 2007

Impunity Watch - Emergency Rule in Pakistan - 4 November 2007