Musharraf Falling

Musharraf suspends the chief justice of Pakistan, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. Lawyers across Pakistan boycott court procedures...

March 9, 2007: Musharraf suspends the chief justice of Pakistan, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. Lawyers across Pakistan boycott court procedures to protest against the suspension. This sparks countrywide protests

July 8, 2007: Army troops attack Lal Masjid in Islamabad and carry out 8216;Operation Silence8217;. Militants had abducted students, were using them as human shields. The government delegation led by Shujaat Hussain declares that negotiations with the militants holed up in the mosque have been successful. The clerics, however, decline to release the hostages. Musharraf gives the militants half an hour to abide by the agreement or face military action

July 20, 2007: The Supreme Court reinstates Chaudhry, also dismissing charges of misconduct that Musharraf had filed against him

October 2, 2007: Musharraf names Lt Gen Ashfaq Kiyani as vice chief of the army starting October 8

October 6, 2007: Musharraf wins a vote to be re-elected Pakistan8217;s president. The Supreme Court rules that no winner would be announced till the legality issue is dealt with

November 3, 2007: Musharraf declares a state of emergency

November 25, 2007: More than a month after the return of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif returns to Pakistan. He had made an effort to enter Pakistan on September 10, 2007 but was deported to Saudi Arabia

November 28, 2007: Musharraf gives up his military uniform and Kiyani becomes chief of army staff

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February 18, 2008: In the general elections, the PML-Q, owing allegiance to Musharraf, is virtually wiped out

March 25, 2008: Yousaf Raza Gilani of the PPP, the party leading the coalition government, is sworn in as PM. Other constituents of the coalition are the PML-N, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam F, Muttahida Qaumi Movement and Awami National Party

August 6, 2008: PPP and the PML-N agree to force Musharraf to step down and begin his impeachment. They also decide to prepare a joint chargesheet against Musharraf

August 11, 2008: Resolutions to impeach Musharraf begin to be passed in provincial assemblies. By August 13, three provinces, Punjab, NWFP and Sindh, pass such resolutions by overwhelming numbers. Many of Musharraf8217;s supporters vote against him

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August 16, 2008: The PPP-led government gives Musharraf a Tuesday deadline to resign

August 18, 2008: Pervez Musharraf resigns as president of Pakistan. In a televised address to the nation, he says: 8220;No impeachment or no chargesheet can stand against me8230;. In the interest of the country, I have decided to resign8221;.