Text of report by official Chinese news agency Xinhua (New China News Agency) ["International Observation" Article by Staff Reporter Li Jingchen: "Three Major Causes Behind Musharraf's Resignation" (Simplified Version)] Islamabad, 18 Aug (Xinhua) - Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf announced his resignation as president in a speech to the nation on the country's national television today.

Text of editorial in Pashto: "Again some points about recent parliamentary election in Pakistan", published by pro-government Afghan newspaper Weesa on 21 February Two parties were heavily defeated in the recent parliamentary election in Pakistan.

Pakistan's ruling party last night conceded that opposition parties were doing well in parliamentary elections after unofficial returns showed two of its top leaders had lost their seats.

By Andrew Buncombe PAKISTAN GOES TO THE POLLS Pervez Musharraf was facing a resounding blow last night as his parliamentary allies headed for defeat in an election poised to change Pakistan's balance of power. The result will raise questions about the President's political future.

THE political scene in Pakistan has been energised with the return of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who spent seven years in exile in Saudi Arabia and England.