Commentary: Pervez Musharraf's departure gives a respite but challenges remain

General Pervez Musharraf, the former Pak army chief and key ally of the United States in its campaign against terrorism, resigned as President of nuclear-armed Pakistan on Monday to avoid impeachment, as his efforts to avoid the ultimate ouster through negotiations failed and his foes in the ruling coalition of the Pakistan People's Party and the Pakistan Muslim League (N) were determined to push ahead with the impeachment move in case of his failure to step down.

The resignation clearly relieved Pakistan of a tense situation that grew out of Gen Pervez Musharraf's earlier announcement not to resign and instead fight back. This also marked the end of an era. But time is yet to be ripe enough to tell whether this would end the political instability, terrorism and price hike that has made life difficult in the predominantly Muslim country.

The Delhi-born 65-year-old Pervez Musharraf took over power as chief of Pakistan's army in a bloodless coup in 1999 deposing the government of Nawaz Sharif, toppled democracy and formally appointed himself President less than two years later in June 2001.The man who many in the West had shunned as a dictator became a pivotal player in the US-led war on terror. Islamists' back home, however, denounced him as a traitor. In April 2002, Musharraf conducted a widely criticised referendum where he won himself five years in office. By August that year, he had sweeping new powers including the right to dismiss and elect a Parliament.

There were many ups and downs during the eventful nine-year rule of Gen Pervez Musharraf. The economy grew at an enviable rate compared to the rest of the region. Many believe generous US-backed support for his role in the war on terror helped him achieve this feat. The next few years saw him walking a tightrope to maintain his relationship with the US.

Musharraf's true test however, came in March last year when he fired Chief Justice Iftikhar Choudhary, along with about 60 other judges, accusing him of misuse of authority.

In May 2007, large-scale clashes left 35 people dead and then the Pakistan Army raided the Lal Masjid on July 10. Musharraf had been avoiding action against the madrasahs for nearly seven months, but finally, extremism was met with an iron fist.

In October 2007, Musharraf got himself re-elected as the President of Pakistan and went on to impose Emergency in November 2007. Later that month, he handed over the command of the army to General Ashfaq Kayani.

The February 2008 elections saw Bhutto's PPP and the PML-N trounce Musharraf's allies. The election result flung the biggest challenge for Musharraf as it brought the same man he deposed - Nawaz Sharif - closer to power.

Many believe that it was unrealistic for him to believe that he would be able to cling to power by bringing back his foes Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif whom he had accused of being corrupt and sent on exile. His promoters in the West had compelled him to have an understanding with the late Benazir Bhutto and share power with her.

There are many allegations against Pervez Musharraf, but hardly any allegation of his being corrupt is being heard. Leaders of Pakistan's coalition government meanwhile are deadlocked over the judiciary only a day after the President resigned.

Meanwhile Press Trust of India quoted India's Former External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh as saying the exit of Pervez Musharraf would slow down the Indo-Pak peace process as the new incumbent would take time to push it forward.

Political stability would be a distant cry if the disappearance of Pervez Musharraf from the scene brings back the old rivalries between the PPP and the PML-N. The people of Pakistan can only hope that good sense would prevail on leaders of both the parties to steer the country forward with wisdom and foresight avoiding past lapses.