Rais said that the departure of Musharraf was a “great moment and a great change”.

Since the general election in February, which brought the coalition to power, Pakistan had been in political limbo, he said, neither fully governed by the Parliament nor by the president, with the two sides in constant conflict. This led to paralysis during which little was achieved and the economy faltered, he said.

The announcement of plans to impeach Musharraf this month united a wide spectrum of Pakistani society. After his resignation on Monday, the country looked toward its future.

“Now, we can expect more normal politics,” said Nasim Zehra, a political analyst based in Islamabad. “Politics are inherently competitive, but the ruling-coalition partners are likely to stay together for a while.”

Chorus from west Good friend...Pak future is the key

•“We will continue to work with the Pak government and political leaders, urge them to redouble their focus on Pakistan’s future and its most urgent needs, including stemming extremism. (Musharraf) has been a friend to the US and one of the world’s most committed partners in war against terrorism, extremism.”

CONDOLEEZZA RICE, US Secretary of State

•“During Musharraf’s time we have seen a deepening of UK-Pak relations. We wish him well in the future. But relations between the UK and Pakistan don’t depend on individuals... we support measures that promote strong democratic institutions which lead to stability in Pakistan. “

GORDON BROWN, Spokesman for British PM

•“What kind of changes does this bring to the “war-on-terror” and the Afghan situation? I don’t expect any significant change for now. It is not a time for us to make predictions.”

... contd.