Islamabad, Aug 19: If close aides to former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf are to be believed, the beleaguered General was in two minds till the last moments before he addressed the nation live on the state run PTV.

They said that suspense filled the Presidential Palace in Islamabad in the final minutes before Musharraf announced his resignation (as President).

London, Aug 19: Amid all the speculations about former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf’s future plans, a western diplomat posted in Islamabad has said that the ex-General might ultimate base himself in London.

According to the diplomat, Musharraf would first perform a Muslim pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, and thereafter finally settle in London to lead a retired life.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office, however, declined to comment on the fresh speculation about Musharraf’s post-retirement plans, reported The Telegraph.

Karachi, Aug. 18 : Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf’s announcement on Monday that he was resigning from his office, has strengthened the country’s currency and turned the stock market bullish.

According to The News, the Pakistani rupee witnessed an improvement of Rs. 1.40 against the dollar, while the Karachi Stock Exchange benchmark KSE-100 crossed the
10,700 level. The major Index registered a gain of more than 450 points.

KSE members welcomed the resignation by the President, saying the step would put to an end the ongoing confrontation in the country.

Islamabad, Aug. 18 : A distribution of sweets and slogans in favour of democracy welcomed Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf’s announcement that he was resigning from office on Monday, ahead of the impeachment process in parliament.

Hundreds of PPP workers gathered outside Zardari House here and jubilantly welcomed the announcement.

Islamabad, Aug. 18 : The loss of the Pakistan defence establishment’s backing is said to have convinced Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to resign from office on Monday.

According to CBS News, while an emotional Musharraf said he wanted to spare the nation from a perilous impeachment battle, the actual development that precipitated the decision to quit office was Musharraf''s loss of power within the military.