Pakistan urged to tackle terrorism

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Stewart Jackson, chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Pakistan, welcomed Mr Musharraf's decision and said it would also enable the country's government to fix its struggling economy.

Mr Musharraf made an emotional televised speech announcing that he was stepping down to avoid an impeachment battle that would harm the nation's interests.

He is facing charges including violation of the constitution and gross misconduct, but said he was confident they would not stand against him.

And he said he left office knowing whatever he has done "was for the people and for the country".

Mr Jackson welcomed the decision, saying: "I think it is the right thing for him to have done.

"I think it in no way detracts from the strong record he has as being a staunch ally of the West and its fight against Islamic terrorism.

"I think the coalition government in Pakistan now needs to focus on two issues - the parlous economic state of the country and working with its allies to combat the ongoing threat of regional terrorism.

"I think Musharraf's resignation will help the country get away from constitutional questions and back to the bread and butter issues of rebuilding the economy and focusing on security, which are the two most important issues for Pakistan at the moment."