Musharraf finally doffs uniform

Pervez Musharraf, who will take oath as civilian president today, stepped down as army chief Wednesday and handed over the military command to General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani. General Kayani took charge as 14th Chief of Pakistan Army at an impressive ceremony, held at Hockey Stadium in front of General Headquarters, Rawalpindi. Caretaker Prime Minister Muhammadmian Soomro, Speaker National Assembly Chaudhry Amir Hussain, members of caretaker cabinet, diplomats, as well as senior civil and military officers witnessed the transition of command. The ceremony started with parade by a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Army, drawn from troops of Frontier Force Regiment and Azad Kashmir Regiment. During the ceremony, the most important element was the presentation of ‘Change of Command Stick’ to the incoming Chief of the Army Staff. Earlier, buglers announced the arrival of President Musharraf at the stadium. The President was given the presidential salute and national anthem played on the occasion of the farewell parade. President Musharraf then reviewed the parade. Army Band played the drum solo and then the outgoing Chief of Army Staff, General Musharraf presented the traditional Command Stick to the incoming Chief of the Army Staff. President Musharraf, while addressing briefly at the farewell parad"