The resignation comes after Pervez Musharraf has been under both domestic and international pressure to give up his role in the military. Former president Benazir Bhutto was amongst many to pressure Musharraf into resigning his commission from the military. Musharraf had come into power after seizing it in a coup that overthrew that of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Also as a result, Bhutto put herself through exile in the United Arab Emirates.
Currently, the international community is concerned about the inability to combat pro-Taliban militants. The other concern is Musharraf’s growing unpopularity after the attacks on Bhutto’s life at the hands of Islamic militants upon returning from her eight-year self-exile. Amongst those highly concerned is the United States.
The US has been supporting and backing talks between Musharraf and Bhutto for a deal where they would share power. Recently, Bhutto had stated she couldn’t work with Musharraf.
When Musharraf resigns, he will be the president as a civilian. The post will be handed over to his deputy, Lieutenant General Ashfaq Pervez Kiani. That ceremony too will take place on Wednesday.
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