Musharraf sworn in for third term

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf on Thursday took the oath of office for a third term as president, his first as a civilian.

"I'm sure Pakistan will grow stronger with me as a civilian president," he said after being sworn in.

Musharraf stepped down as the country's military leader Wednesday, capping a 46-year career in the nation's armed forces and ending eight years of military rule.

"This army is my life," Musharraf said in an emotional farewell ceremony at the army headquarters in Rawalpindi, near Islamabad. "This army is my passion."

He will speak to the nation Thursday evening in a nationally televised address, a presidential spokesman told CNN.

The president has been under pressure to step down as military leader and end emergency rule, under which critics say he has consolidated power. During the past two days, he has made farewell visits to the army, air force and navy headquarters.

Musharraf handed over the military chief's post to his chosen successor, Gen. Ashfaq Kiyani, who recently stepped down as head of Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence agency.

cnn