Backgrounder: Major political developments in Pakistan this year  

??Musharraf Tuesday said he was not going to leave Pakistan after resignation. ??He said he resigned for the betterment of the country and he would not accept defeat. ??Musharraf on Monday announced he would resign for national interest.

ISLAMABAD, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf Tuesday said he was not going to leave Pakistan after resignation.

Local TV channel Express News quoted Musharraf as saying that he resigned for the betterment of the country and he would not accept defeat.

Pakistans President Pervez Musharraf speaks during a news conference broadcast live to the nation August 18, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
Photo Gallery>>>

Musharraf said he loved his country and would not leave Pakistan.

Musharraf on Monday announced he would resign for national interest. Local media reports said that he might leave Pakistan after resignation.  

Pakistan to announce schedule for presidential election

ISLAMABAD, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Election Commission of Pakistan will announce the schedule for the election of President of Pakistan within two to three days.

The News Network International news agency quoted Secretary of the Election Commission Kanwar Muhammad Dilshad as saying that the notification of the Cabinet Division regarding the resignation of Pervez Musharraf from the office of President was received on Tuesday morning.  

Official: U.S. to consider Musharrafs asylum if asked

  WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- The United States will consider providing former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf with asylum if he asks, State Department spokesman Robert Wood said here Tuesday.

  We havent been asked to provide him with any asylum or place of residence, Wood said of Musharrafs future. 

Uncertainties linger after Musharrafs resignation

ISLAMABAD, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Despite repeated denials about his possible resignation by the presidential spokesman, Pervez Musharraf eventually stepped down as the Pakistani President Monday, claiming that the decision was made for the sake of national interest.

With the removal of Musharraf, coalition government had to faceup to the challenges ahead. ??