The new military ruler of Pakistan last night addressed the nation, explaining his plans for governing the country through a national security council and a cabinet of ministers.
While reassuring his people and the international community that the armed forces had "no intention to stay in power any longer than necessary", Gen Pervez Musharraf made no mention of a time-frame for returning Pakistan to democracy.
The military seized power in a bloodless coup last Tuesday, toppling the Prime Minister, Mr Nawaz Sharif, and putting him under arrest.
By turns grave, rousing and conciliatory, Gen Musharraf said that Pakistan had hit "rock bottom".
"Our economy has crumbled, our credibility is lost, our state institutions have been demolished," said the general, who appeared on television in full uniform.
In an attempt to head off further international criticism he insisted that he attached importance to friendly relations with the major powers, especially the United States.
To stifle fears about a military regime in charge of nuclear weapons he said that Pakistan would pursue a policy of nuclear restraint and responsibility. He reached out an olive branch to his country's nuclear-capable neighbour, promising "unilateral military de-escalation on the borders with India".
However, he went on to outline a tough stance on the disputed state of Kashmir. The new military ruler said that while he would welcome talks with the newly-elected Prime Minister of India, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, there would be no compromise on the future of the Himalayan state. Pakistan continues to support what he called "the Kashmiri struggle for self-determination".
Referring to the coup which brought him to power, he insisted the army had acted "in the supreme interest of the nation". He added that the form of government which had previously existed in Pakistan had been "merely a label of democracy" not the essence of it.
The security council announced by the general will comprise six members, half drawn from the armed forces and half from civilian life. Under this will be a cabinet of ministers made up of technocrats which will be assisted by a think-tank of experts.
Last night's address, which was preceded by Quranic prayers and the Pakistani national anthem, lasted less than half-an-hour. It was given in English, a sign that the new rulers of Pakistan are desperate to communicate with the international community, which is threatening to impose stiff sanctions on the impoverished nation.
Gen Musharraf said the revival of the shattered economy would be a main priority and that efforts would be made to wipe out "corruption of horrendous proportion".
Anyone who had defaulted on a loan should come forward within a month, said the general. If they did not, he added, his tone growing more ominous, the law would take its course. In a bizarre move, the general offered to make available for public scrutiny his own personal tax returns and assets.
Last night an opposition leader played down the absence of a timeframe to return the country to civilian rule. "I am really very reassured and happy by his priorities and I only hope he succeeds," said Mr Igbal Haider, a member of the opposition party of the former prime minister, Ms Benazir Bhutto.