Pakistan's Musharraf Sworn in as Civilian President
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has been sworn in as a civilian president for a new five-year term, calling it "a
milestone" in Pakistan's transition to democracy.
The Pakistani leader took the oath of office Thursday, a day after he stepped down as the country's army chief, ending a
46-year military career.
The oath was administered in the presidential palace in Islamabad by Abdul Hameed Dogar, the chief justice appointed by
Mr. Musharraf when he disbanded the Supreme Court after imposing emergency rule on November third.
Mr. Musharraf is scheduled to make a television address in which senior officials say he may set a date for ending
emergency rule
On Wednesday, President Musharraf ceremonially handed over command of the country's armed forces to his designated
successor, General Ashfaq Kayani.
Opposition leaders and former prime ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif welcomed President Musharraf's retirement
from the army.
Opposition parties led by Ms. Bhutto and Mr. Sharif are considering boycotting parliamentary elections scheduled for
January eighth, saying they cannot be fair or free under emergency rule.
However, both former prime ministers as well as several other candidates from nearly all political parties have
registered as candidates for the polls.
ENDS