President’s resignation proves Parliament’s sovereignty: PM

The United States praised President Pervez Musharraf as a committed partner against terrorism and pledged after his resignation on Monday to keep helping Pakistan fight extremism.

The White House said President George W Bush was committed to a strong Pakistan that strengthens democracy and fights terrorism.

“President Bush appreciates President Musharraf’s efforts in the democratic transition of Pakistan as well as his commitment to fighting al Qaeda and extremist groups,” White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said in Texas, where Bush is at his ranch.

Musharraf resigned on Monday to avoid impeachment charges nearly nine years after taking office in a coup. He was an important ally for Washington in the US-declared “war on terror” and Pakistan received billions of dollars in US counterterrorism aid during his government.

But US officials have recently voiced frustration with Pakistan’s efforts as the Taliban and al Qaeda regrouped in its remote tribal areas, where some American officials and analysts say al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden is hiding.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice praised Musharraf for having made the “critical choice” to join the battle against al Qaeda, the Taliban and other extremists.

“For this, he has our deep gratitude,” she said.

“We will continue to work with the Pakistani government and political leaders and urge them to redouble their focus on Pakistan’s future and its most urgent needs, including stemming the growth of extremism, addressing food and energy shortages, and improving economic stability,” Rice said in a statement.

“The United States will help with these efforts to see Pakistan reach its goal of becoming a stable, prosperous, democratic, modern, Muslim nation,” she said.