Musharraf Resigns from Army Chief Position

At a resignation ceremony on Tuesday, Pervez Musharraf transferred his power as Army Chief to hand-picked successor, General Ashfaq Kayani, marking Pakistan's first such transfer of power. Musharraf, wearing his medal covered uniform, was emotional at the resignation ceremony, where he passed the ceremonial command stick of the army chief of staff to Kayani. However, he expressed his confidence in his successor, stating that he had known the general for 20 years and that Kayani was an exceptional soldier.

Voice of America reports that Kayani is now in control of more than 500,000 regular troops, as well as the safeguarding units for the country's nuclear arsenal.

Despite the general's resignation decision, opposition leaders argue that the president must do more in order to restore the army's democracy.

On Thursday, Musharraf is scheduled to take his second 5 year term oath as a civilian president. His re-election as president was confirmed by the Supreme Court last week.