Majestic Musharraf Makes it Magnificently
fulfils another commitment - hands over Army Command to new COAS - leaps  towards democratic rule
takes oath as civilian President today
By Makhdoom Babar

RAWALPINDI—President General Pervez Musharraf Wednesday relinquished the charge of Chief of the Army Staff and handed over the coveted post to General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, a day ahead of taking oath as a civilian President for a five-year term.
The change of command was witnessed by the Services Chiefs, Corps Commanders, Principal Staff Officers and senior officers here at an impressive ceremony at the Army Stadium overlooking the General Headquarters. “This army is my life, my passion ... I love this army,” the President said while addressing the gathering of military officers and jawans at the Army Stadium prior to handing over the command.
Attired in the khaki ceremonial dress, with glistening medals, Musharraf looked confident as the outgoing COAS handed over the traditional command stick to Kayani, a formality signifying the change of command. “I am lucky that I have commanded the best army of the world,” General Musharraf said and added that it was an integrated and binding force that always kept the nation’s security, honour and dignity foremost.
The President mentioned the role of armed forces whenever a need arose. Be it the floods, earthquake, bombings or any other threat, the country’s armed forces always rose to the occasion. “Without its army, Pakistan cannot survive,” General Musharraf said. “I feel sad when some elements point finger and criticise the army ... they are misguided people who do not understand that the armed forces have a key role in Pakistan’s security, progress and solidarity.”
The President said he was fully aware of the “pressure” that the country’s armed forces were facing and mentioned the “action” in Federally Administered Tribal Areas and the settled districts of NWFP, and said that the army was confronting it effectively. President Musharraf described his tenure in the army as living in a family; “I will not be in command of this family (armed forces) from tomorrow, but I am happy that I lived these 46 years with great honour in uniform.” He said he learnt a lot during his stay.”What I am today is because of this army ... I am proud of armed forces and honoured to have participated in two wars.” The President said the army was a patriotic force and wanted to take the country forward and added that anyone trying to create obstacles should be removed forcefully. He recalled working in dangerous situation and mentioned his stay at Sui, Bugti, Kohlu and other hard areas.
“My companions have died in my hands in the wars. These sufferings will be part of my memories for ever,” he said. “I am happy that I am leaving the army in best of its state. Whether in terms of equipment or training, the army has never been at such a position as today,” he said. He said it was saddening to leave the service after such a long stay, but added that it was a way of life, as every person has to go.
“May Allah always be kind and gracious over Pakistan Army. No matter I will be without uniform, but my heart and mind would always be with you, always thinking about you, ready to join you in your happiness and be glad over your success,” the President said. Expressing his full confidence in the new Chief of Army Staff, President Musharraf said “today I am handing over command of armed forces in the hands of a man - General Kayani, whom I know for more than 20 years.”
“I know his professional skills since he was a colonel, and I knew from then that he is an excellent soldier. I am confident that army would outshine better than before under his command,” he added. Caretaker Prime Minister Muhammadmian Soomro, Speaker National Assembly Chaudhry Amir Hussain, members of caretaker cabinet, diplomats, senior civil and serving officers witnessed the change of command.