Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf announced on November 28, 2007, that he would be stepping down as chief of the Pakistani Army. At the time of the announcement, he had served as both the political and military leader for eight years. He appointed Ashfaq Kiani as his successor.CNN: Musharraf steps down as army chief (November 28, 2007)
On August 7, 2008, Pakistan's ruling coalition said it would begin impeachment proceedings against Musharraf, who seized power in 1999. The coalition claims Musharraf "eroded the trust of the nation" during his years in power.
Emergency Rule
Shortly before announcing his Army resignation, Musharraf had declared a state of emergency in Pakistan. Beginning on November 3, 2007, he used his emergency powers to forcibly detain thousands of political opponents.New York Times: Pakistan Sets Emergency Rule, Defying the U.S. (November 4, 2007)
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Fast Facts
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Resigned as military chief on November 28, 2007
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Granted himself emergency powers a few weeks earlier on November 9, 2007
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Controlled both government and military for eight years
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Led a bloodless military coup to assume political control in 1999
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Became head of state on October 12, 1999
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Faced possible impeachment in August 2008
