Musharraf sworn in as civilian president of Pakistan

Islamabad: Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has been sworn in for the first time as a civilian leader, eight years after taking power in a military coup.

After taking the oath, the new President said it was a milestone on the road back to democracy.

He told dignitaries gathered at the ceremony that there would be elections on January 8, "come hell or high water and that Pakistan would move back to democracy in its own way.

Musharraf added: "I am grateful to the Pakistani nation for placing this confidence in me.

"It is indeed a historic day and emotional day for me. This is a milestone in the transition of Pakistan to a complete essence of democracy."

The President also said he thought return of opposition leaders Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif was good for the country.