ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) -- Some people have been firing automatic weapons into the sky in celebration of Monday's news in Pakistan.

President Pervez Musharraf has announced he's resigning, rather than face impeachment. The news came in a televised speech, where he defended his record and expressed his hope that the Pakistani people will "forgive" his mistakes.

Musharraf came to power in a 1999 coup. Many Pakistanis blame the rising militant violence in their country on his alliance with the U.S. His reputation suffered blows last year when he ousted dozens of judges and imposed emergency rule. His rivals won February parliamentary elections and have since sought his ouster.

Amid a crowd of people dancing and hugging in Peshawar, shopkeeper Mohammed Saeed declared, "It is very pleasing to know that Musharraf is no more."

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