In pictures: Musharraf's career

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has announced his decision to resign in a live television address to the nation.

In 1998, he is appointed Chief of Army Staff by the then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and promoted to the rank of full general, after the resignation of former army chief General Jahangir Karamat.

Gen Musharraf launches a military adventure in Kargil in 1999. Pakistani soldiers and Kashmiri militants infiltrate Indian territory, before pressure from the United States forces them to withdraw.

Prime Minister Sharif addresses the nation on the withdrawal, allegedly against Gen Musharraf's wishes and the relationship between the two men appears to break down irrevocably.

In 1999, Gen Musharraf is dismissed by Mr Sharif, but returns to the country from abroad to take command of thousands of troops who refuse to accept his dismissal.

After deposing Mr Sharif in a coup, Gen Musharraf appears on TV on 1 November, 1999 to outline the policies of his military regime.

Gen Musharraf's most significant international decision is to back the US in its fight against al-Qaeda and the Taleban. The US lifts some sanctions imposed on Pakistan.

In 2001, India and Pakistan edge towards war. A massive build-up of troops on both sides of the border follows a suicide attack on the Indian parliament allegedly by Pakistani extremists.

Gen Musharraf survives two assassination attempts in 2003 and vows to "cleanse the country of extremists".

In November 2007, Mr Musharraf declares a state of emergency and suspends the constitution. He hands over control of the military and is sworn in as president for a second term, but as a civilian.

His resignation comes as the coalition government prepared to launch impeachment proceedings - the first in Pakistan's 61-year history.

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