Washington, Nov 29: President George W. Bush has welcomed Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's resignation as Army Chief, and urged him to lift emergency rule to pave the way for free and fair elections.

"In my judgement, in order to get Pakistan back on the road to democracy, he's got to suspend the emergency law before elections," Bush told American television in an interview.

Bush praised Musharraf, as "an absolute reliable partner in dealing with extremists and radicals", and hailed his decision to quit as Army Chief to end eight years of military rule.

Meanwhile, Musharraf was sworn in for a second term on Thursday, but this time as a civilian leader, a day after quitting as Army Chief and fulfilling a promise many Pakistanis doubted he would keep.

Chief Justice Abdul Hameed Doggar administered the oath to the President under the 1973 Constitution.

Musharraf after serving in the Pakistan Army for 46 years, with nine years as Army Chief, relinquished the post on Wednesday. (ANI)