Resignation of Musharraf termed victory of democracy

NWFP Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti has welcomed the resignation of President Pervez Musharaf as victory of the democracy and has expressed the confidence that this decision will put far reaching impacts on development of the country, peace in the region and prosperity of the nation. "The step has removed the political uncertainty in the country that will prove good omen for the nation", he added.
The chief minister said that the day of the resignation of the president Musharraf was of historically importance that have paved way for supremacy of constitution and parliament in the country. He said that the elected democratic forces of the country realised wishes of the nation with all consistency and honoured the mandate given to it by the people in the general election of 18 February this year.
Ameer Haider Khan Hoti expressed the hope that resignation of General Musharaf would also help in removing the politics of confrontation and rivalry while the government would then be able to focus its attention on solving the problems and combating the challenges faced by the country and the nation.
He assured the people that the present elected and democratic government would honour and all the promises made with the people and would take concrete steps for restoring peace and solving social and economic problems of the masses.
The NWFP Minister for Information Mian Iftikhar Hussain has said the President Musharraf's resignation was a great achievement of the democratic forces. Expressing his views over the stepping down of Musharraf, the minister said that it was high time for all the democratic forces to show grace and analyse this development consciously.
Mian Iftikhar Hussain while lauding the impartiality of Army, said that army by staying away for politics, had added a golden chapter to the country's political history. "If army keeps away from politics in future as well the country certainly will witness real peace and prosperity", he claimed.
Mian Iftikhar Hussain further added that differences between political forces, had always been exploited by dictators but the resignation of Pervez Musharraf was a crystal clear proof of the fact that the political parties had learnt a lot from their past. He said that it was the struggle and sacrifices of political parties which led to the expulsion of a dictator from the corridors of power.
Terming the resignation of Musharraf as a good omen for the nation, the Minister said that it was the consistent and untiring struggle of democratic forces, which forced a dictator to step down. He said that this development was not the out come of a single person's struggle rather was the result of collective efforts and sacrifices of all the democracy loving forces. Mian Iftikhar Hussain said that all the political parties should forge unity in their ranks and work for a prosperous Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the report of the resignation of the President General (Retd) Pervez Musharraf was celebrated like a victory by different political parties in the provincial metropolis. Hearing the news of the resignation, the jubilant workers of the political party came out on roads and dance to the drum of beat. The happy political workers also distributed sweets among the people.
Those who took out procession to celebrate the resignation of Musharraf were included PML-N, Jamaat-i-Islami and Pukhtoon Student Federation (PkSF) a student wing of the ruling Awami National Party in the province.
The activists of Jamaat-i-Islami demanded of the government not to give safe exit to the retired general and called for putting him on trial under Article 6 of the constitution for violation of the constitution and killing of the people in the name of operation in connection with war on terror.
AFRASIAB KHATTAK: August 18, 2008 would be remembered for ever an historic day in the history of the country as democratic forces have won against the dictatorship by launching successful movement against President Musharraf forcing him to bow down before the popular mandate. President of NWFP ANP and Peace Envoy to the NWFP Government Afrasiab Khattak said this while commenting on the resignation of the President Musharraf here on Monday.
IMRAN KHAN: Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan Monday hailed the resignation of President Pervez Musharraf, describing it in favour of national interest.
In his comments about the resignation, he said after this move, the coalition government should not further delay the reinstatement of the deposed judges. Imran Khan said the speech of Pervez Musharraf was not based on facts, adding that he tried to misguide the people.
SHAH MEHMOOD QURESHI: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi reacting on resignation of Pervez Musharraf has expressed the confidence that it will bring political stability in the country. Talking to private TV channel he said: "you can see the immediate reaction in stock market. It has risen immediately". He said that he had already said that the president should make a decision in next 24 hours.
DR SATTAR: The Central leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement, MQM Dr Farooq Sattar has said on Monday that President Pervez Musharraf has proved his slogan "Pakistan First" right with his resignation. Talking to private TV channel, he said President Musharraf played his part to overcome the political instability prevailing in the country.
Muthahida Qaumi Movement-a one time ally of former President Pervez Musharraf- has described his resignation as a correct step taken in the larger interest of the country.
Commenting on the decision of the ex-President to step down after nine years in power, MQM spokesman told APP that by resigning his office, Musharraf has saved the country from further polarisation. The spokesman further said Musharraf did not make the issue as an "ego matter" and left the office in the best way that suited him.
ZARDARI HOUSE: Hundreds of PPP workers gathered outside Zardari House Islamabad started jubilation as the President announced to step down. The jubilant workers distributed sweets while raising slogans in favour of democracy, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and party Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari.
PROFESSOR N D KHAN: A veteran leader of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Professor N D Khan, has hailed President Musharraf's announcement to resign. Talking to APP here on Monday, he said that with the announcement of the resignation, the stand of the people has been vindicated.
"It is a victory of the masses", Professor N D Khan further remarked adding that it is also the victory of all those who had suffered at the hands of President Musharraf. Dr Muhammad Zubair: Chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Pakistan Dr Muhammad Zubair has hailed the resignation of Pervez Musharraf and termed it a great success of democratic forces. In a statement, he said, JUP fully participated in the struggle by democratic forces and lawyers community for removal of President Pervez Musharraf.
MUSHAHID HUSSAIN SAYED: Secretary General PML (Q) Mushahid Hussain Sayed lauded the speech of Pervez Musharraf and termed it as positive and forward looking. Commenting on the address of the President, he said it augurs well that the President followed the constitutional process and did not hand over the power to the Army as was done by Field Marshal Ayub Khan. He said now that the President is no more in the scene, it is for the government to deliver as per expectations of the masses.
QAZI HUSSAIN AHMAD: Chief of Jamat-e-Islami Qazi Hussain Ahmad welcomed the resignation of President Pervaiz Musharrarf. In a statement here ,the Amir of JI, demanded of the coalition government to restore the judges to pre November 2 position and suspend the PCO and the judges of PCO. Qazi Hussain Ahmed said that outgoing President Musharraf had committed crimes during his nine years tenure and demanded judicial trial instead of giving Musharraf safe way.