LAHORE, PAKISTAN–Most Pakistanis responded with joy to the resignation of President Pervez Musharraf, a man they saw as a dictator who imposed emergency rule.
But some, particularly the well-educated, latte-drinking class, regretted his decision to step down, in the face of an impeachment by the ruling coalition.
"I listened in disbelief as he announced his resignation," said Anum Javed, 18. "As he said the words, tears came into my eyes. He was the best thing ever to happen to Pakistan. He was probably our best leader after Muhammad Ali Jinnah (the founding father of Pakistan.)"
Aurangzeb Khan, 31, a corporate banker, was also in disbelief at the president's decision to step down. "He was definitely the lesser evil," he said. "God help Pakistan now."
But Javed and Khan were in the minority.
The rest of the country exploded with joy and relief. In a multitude of cities people came out on the streets, dancing to drumbeats and distributing sweets. In Hyderabad and Islamabad, shots were fired into the air in celebration.
"The country is in a state of euphoria," said journalist Miranda Hussain. "The public seems to have fallen for the premise that his resignation is democracy at work. Ironically, the response today is similar to the public reaction when Musharraf came into power" in 1999.
For Muhammed Ali, who runs a fruit stall in Lahore, Musharraf's resignation was a sign of good times to come. "He's gone, he's gone," said Ali, a smile plastered on his tan face. "This is a day of thanking Allah for coming to our rescue."
Behind her burqa, the twinkle in Fatima Asad's eye was evident. She had ventured into Lahore's Liberty Market to do some errands when news of Musharraf's resignation broke. "Today, I'm so happy and delighted," she said. "It was high time for him to leave."
In various cities prayers of thanksgiving and gratitude were also offered in the late afternoon, an hour or so after Musharraf's address to the nation. Fervent celebrations took place outside courts where lawyers who have been holding anti-Musharraf rallies every Thursday danced in earnest and shouted anti-Musharraf slogans.
"Down with America's best friend," screamed lawyers, as they whooped in joy. (Musharraf had earned their enmity by firing 60 judges and suspending the constitution – illegally.)
For Muhammed Moaz, 26, a student at Punjab University, his reason for celebrating was the positive response in the stock exchange.
"The rupee has gone up," he said.
