Miliband call for Pakistan election

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Foreign Secretary David Miliband paid tribute to Mr Musharraf's achievements but said his departure paved the way for more democratic and economic reform.

The controversial Pakistan leader finally decided to step down after the recently elected government launched impeachment proceedings.

In an emotional televised speech, he insisted he was confident the charges - including violation of the constitution and gross misconduct - would fail eventually. However, he accepted it was no longer in the national interest for him to stay in office.

After assuming power in a bloodless military coup in 1999, Mr Musharraf became a key ally of the West in the fight against terrorism.

US President George Bush continued to back him despite widespread condemnation of his bid to stamp out domestic unrest last year - when he sacked dozens of judges and imposed emergency rule after courts refused to recognised his re-election.

Mr Miliband said Mr Musharraf's move ended a "critical period" in Pakistan's history highlighting his commitment to tackle terrorism, to promote dialogue with India, especially over Kashmir, and to root out corruption.

Mr Miliband added: "I look forward to the early election of a new president in Pakistan to take forward the important shared work that binds our two countries together."

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice praised Mr Musharraf as a "friend to the United States and one of the world's most committed partners in the war against terrorism and extremism".

The speaker of the upper house, Muhammad Mian Sumroo, will now take over as acting president. The new president must be elected by both houses of Pakistan's parliament and the four provincial assemblies.