Musharraf to lift Emergency: Report
Wednesday, November 28, 2007 (Islamabad)
Hours after President Pervez Musharraf relinquished the post of Army chief, there are reports that he will lift Emergency in the next 24 hours.
It is also reported that Musharraf will address the nation after taking oath as a civilian president tomorrow.
Pakistan's Dawn newspaper reported that all persons detained after the imposition of Emergency will be freed soon.
Earlier, the General's nine year reign as Army Chief finally came to an end on Wednesday as he handed over the post to former ISI chief Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani.
Sixty-four-year-old Musharraf ended a military career that began in 1964 at a ceremony at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
Musharraf came to power in a bloodless coup in 1999 by deposing then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Speaking on the occasion, Musharraf said that the Army had been his life and whatever he is today is because of the Army.
''I learnt leadership in the Army. I am proud that I fought two wars while in the Army. The Army is the saviour of Pakistan,'' the General said.
Pointing out that the Army is stretched to its limits in serving the country, he said it's unfortunate that people point fingers at the Army.
Musharraf praised the Army saying ''Pakistan's Army is at its best today and I am happy for this.''
While handing over the reigns to Kiyani, Musharraf said he is aware of his professional abilities and he is an able soldier.
Musharraf also hopped that Kiyani will take the Pakistan Army to higher limits.
Expressing his close ties with it, he said his heart and soul would always be with the Army.
