Sehba Musharraf hires another counsel

RAWALPINDI: Anti-Terrorist Court (ATC) No-I, Rawalpindi, Judge, Shahid Rafiq, on Saturday showed anger against Sehba Mushrraf’s counsel Fawad Chaudhry, who did not turn up to represent his client.

Meanwhile, Sehba Musharraf hired another lawyer, Nayab Gardezy, who on Saturday appeared before the court and told it that previous lawyer, Fawad Chaudhry, has resigned from the APML and requested for more time to prepare the case. The court, however, gave him one day and warned if the lawyer did not appear, the court would decide the case on Monday. The judge said previous lawyer resigned from party but not from lawyer-ship why he did not appear. “Why they are trying to prolong the case,” judge remarks.

Musharraf spokesman resigns

LAHORE: The All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) spokesman Fawad Chaudhry resigned here on Tuesday amidst complaints that he was not being consulted by the party head, Pervez Musharraf, on key decisions.

Talking with The News, Fawad Chaudhry confirmed this, saying he had mailed his resignation to Pervez Musharraf, which was yet to be approved. Explaining reasons for this, he claimed that he was not being taken into confidence on key decision making, which was causing embarrassment to him. “I was made responsible for defending the party and explaining things to the media about which I was not consulted by the party head.

The party head had given different dates for reaching Pakistan and cancelled his programmes without consulting me and it was becoming quite difficult for me to justify the developments as I was not taken into confidence on any issue”, he added. Fawad claimed Musharraf had not even consulted him while giving the recent date of his arrival to Pakistan and he was not being informed of other developments in the party.

Musharraf will never return: Shujaat

KHAIRPUR: Former president Pervez Musharraf will never return to the country while PML-N chief is doing the politics of allegations.

This was stated by PML-Q President Ch Shujaat Hussain while talking to newsmen on Friday after offering condolence to Pir Pagaro Pir Sibghatullah Shah Rashidi on death of his father Pir Shah Mardan Shah of Pagaro at Pir- Jo- Goth.

Ch Shujaat said he is working for the unification of PML factions as it was the will of late Pir Pagaro. He said all institutions will work according to rules and will not interfere in other institution.

He said his party is not under pressure from Imran Khan and that PTI is no danger to them. He said the government will complete its tenure successfully. Earlier, Ch Shujaat offered Fateha for late Shah Mardan Shah with his sons and prayed for eternal rest to the departed soul. Mushahid Hussain, Ghous Bux Mehar and other PML-Q leaders accompanied him.

Replying a question, he said though the MQM didn’t accompany the prime minister to the Supreme Court, they attended a banquet given in honour of coalition partners by the government.

Shujaat said his party is ready for snap election and seat to seat adjustment would be made with the PPP in upcoming general elections. “I can say nothing about snap elections. Snap elections can be held. If they are held we are ready for it. Seat to seat adjustment will be made with the PPP in these elections,” he told mediamen.

PPP leaders Taj Hyder, Nazar Gaho, Ali Khan Junejo also visited Pir Jo Goth and offered condolences to Pir Pagaro Pir Sibghatullah Shah Friday on the death of Pir Shah Mardan Shah.

Was Musharraf Better than This Democracy?

Omar Sial on 20, Jan 2012 | 113 Comments | in Category: Insight

Over the last few years, one question which has taken its rounds among the people of Pakistan has been – was the former General Musharraf better than this democracy? It’s a tough question to answer seeing the mess we are currently in but I have always leaned towards a – no. My view on this aspect has been challenged by many and many, many hours have been spent debating it. There is a school of thought which believes that the Musharraf era was better than the current one. No doubt it was in certain aspects. It was far better in all the short term things but there is a very strong argument that the long term affects of his policies have been drastic for the country.

Musharraf’s over throw of Nawaz was dubious. Anybody who is remotely associated with the litigation system of the country – particularly criminal trials – will know what power the various organs of the State can assert on the litigation process. The trial could not be a fair trial keeping in view the powers involved in it. An unfair trail was bad enough but then the subsequent pardon to an alleged “criminal” took the cake.  If Nawaz was actually a “criminal” then allowing him to go into exile rather than receive the same punishment as a common Pakistani – also did not impress me about Musharraf. The type of access allowed to the US post 2001 into Pakistan tantamount to trading Pakistan’s sovereignty. Akbar Bugti being killed in the manner in which he was, was also arguably a murder. Then he over throws the top judge of the country in a move which showed that perhaps Musharraf had gone on a power trip – the often in our history seen trait of our leaders. As far as I am concerned, the straw that broke the camel’s back came when Musharraf agreed to the draconian NRO. Musharraf felt that a law which would pardon a powerful few while the common man would have to face the atrocities of the criminal system of this country was a fair and just law. In other words, to retain his power, Musharraf was not much concerned for the majority of the people of Pakistan.

I must acknowledge that during the Musharraf era, the economic conditions of that time appeared better – there were more jobs for the urban youth and business was better. I still meet many apolitical bankers and executives who are all praise for the Musharraf era. But then look how he wiped out all credit one can give him on that account – he imposed the present government on us! A government that went on such loot and plunder of the country that any good derived during the Musharraf regime quickly vanished. I must also acknowledge that as a person I quite liked Musharraf. I still do. He is a pretty OK guy I think. A “cool dude” as my daughter would say.

People will remember the often repeated sentence of Musharraf’s during his power days – “main aik commando hoon; main darta warta nahee hoon”. I used to admire him for that tremendously. However, it is true that good things don’t last long. With the passage of time and then seeing Musharraf flee the country when things became hard – I realized that it is easy to make claims such as “main aik commando hoon; main darta warta nahee hoon” when one is the Chief of Army or the Chief Executive or the President. I think that there is no harm in staying in a foreign country if one feels that that is safer for a person but should one really expect it of a person who reminded us many times of his bravery?

My disillusionment with Musharraf grew when I read the newspaper today. On the assumption that the story is correct, it is said that one of Musharraf’s close confidante Raza Bokhari a US-Pakistani businessman, sought from the Americans the trouble free return for Musharraf by ensuring that he is neither arrested in Pakistan nor is barred from traveling inside or outside the country. Musharraf ostensibly also asked the Americans for a pro-Musharraf statement as soon as he arrives in Pakistan. Musharraf also asked Washington to ensure that within a few days of his arrival, US ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter should meet Musharraf. How sad is this. Truly disappointed with Musharraf am I.

Instead of opposing Pakistan’s political and economic exploitation by imperialist powers and standing by the side of the peoples and nations struggling for their freedom and independence from foreign domination – Musharraf is fast proving that he is ready to become a US and Israeli man in Pakistan if the price is right. So much for claims of democracy and so much for “sub say pehlay Pakistan”. Musharraf should join Imran Khan – let the façade finish on both ends once and for all.

Musharraf seeks US help against arrest on return

ISLAMABAD: General Musharraf has conveyed it to Washington that the Pakistani establishment at the highest level is engaged, behind the scenes, to ensure that their former boss is not humiliated on his return to Pakistan.

An American Pakistani and close associate of the former dictator, Raza Bokhari, has approached three former US Congressmen to campaign for foolproof guarantees from Washington, which Musharraf served with loyalty, regarding the former dictator’s smooth and trouble-free return to Pakistan by the end of this month.

An influential diplomatic source, who has received a copy of the communication sent by Musharraf’s confidante to the ex-US Congressmen, shared the contents of the letter with The News.

The message conveys how profoundly the former dictator is depending on foreign powers, particularly the US, for his return to Pakistan as a free man and do his choice politics and move around wherever he desires to.

The message for three former Congressmen also contained details about what they are expected to do for Musharraf besides telling the Americans that the ex-president would meet both King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia and King Abdullah of Jordan before his return to Pakistan.

Raza Bokhari is a US-Pakistani businessman, who is a confidante of Musharraf, and has also recently visited Islamabad to meet the US Ambassador in connection with Musharraf’s return. Bokhari seeks the trouble free return for Musharraf by ensuring that he is neither arrested in Pakistan nor is barred from travelling inside or outside the country.

The former dictator also seeks from the Obama administration as well as the US Congress a pro-Musharraf statement as soon as he arrives in Pakistan. He has also asked Washington to ensure that within a few days of his arrival, US ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter should meet Musharraf.

Three Congressmen whom the communication is addressed to include Bill Sarpalius, Lincoln Davis and Robin Tallon. The operative part of the communication, which is nothing less than an eye-opener to judge the tricks and trades of Pakistani rulers and politicians, is reproduced here:

“Dear ..... President Musharraf has announced that he is ending his self-imposed exile to lead his political party, All Pakistan Muslim League, in the next elections and arrive in the port city of Karachi between Jan 27th and Jan 30th. In this history shaping journey, President Musharraf will be accompanied by more 500 Pakistani expats from around the world, including 100 plus Pakistani Americans. There is also a contingent of more than 100 leading journalists and media anchors from US, Canada, UK, Europe, Middle East, China, India and Pakistan that has confirmed so far and the number is rising.

In preparation of President Musharraf’s return later this month, our hope for this month is to achieve the following:

1. Secure assurances from SOS that United States is doing its part to ensure that the following is achieved:

a. President Musharraf is not arrested on arrival to Pakistan. He is willing to face any charges false or real in the courts. There is no need to arrest him.

b. President Musharraf is not put on the “Exit Control List” once he arrives in Pakistan so that he can freely move in and out of Pakistan to fulfil his global obligations as a statesman, philanthropist, and opinion maker.

2. Inquire if our intelligence agencies will like to establish a process and share with us on an ongoing basis, if they become aware of any specific physical threat to President Musharraf in Pakistan or elsewhere.

3. Secure a bi-partisan letter signed by several dozen members of Congress addressed to the POTUS or SOS to demonstrate Congressional support for President Musharraf (proposed draft is under consideration).

4. On the day of Musharraf’s arrival to Pakistan, we should secure few members both in the House and Senate to speak on the floor in favour of President Musharraf’s return to Pakistan.

5. If President Musharraf is arrested or put on the “Exit Control List”, we must know whether the secretary of state and our ambassador in Islamabad will condemn such an act and demand that he be released and allowed to travel freely in and out. In addition, we need to line-up Congressional leadership to do the same.

6. We must ensure than within 48 to 72 hours of President Musharraf arrival in Islamabad, our ambassador must call on him in his home.

7. Not sure what the Secretary Clinton’s schedule is but President Musharraf will gladly make a trip to US or meet her elsewhere before his departure to Pakistan.

We can share with relevant folks in DC that a very high powered legal team led by Mr Hafeez Pirzada is working with the courts to ensure that he is not arrested or restrained. The relevant institutions within the Pakistani establishment at the highest level are also engaged behind the scenes to ensure that their former army chief, President Musharraf, is not embarrassed or dragged through the mud on his return to Pakistan. We must however not leave anything to assumption and continue to do our part in the US.

In addition it is OK to share that President Musharraf is heading to Jordan to meet King Abdullah and will go to Saudi Arabia to perform a religious pilgrimage and very likely also meet HM King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Nayef, Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal and intelligence chief Prince Muqram.”

APML leader Dr Amjad when contacted denied that US Congressmen were ever approached by or on behalf Musharraf to secure foolproof guarantee for his return. He said in the present tense situation between Islamabad and Washington the latter could not do much to help Musharraf.

Regarding Pakistani establishment, he said that instead of getting support from Pakistan Army it was conveyed by the military establishment to Musharraf that he should delay his return to Pakistan. “We have no support from establishment,” Dr Amjad categorically stated.

Musharraf seeks US help against arrest on return

ISLAMABAD: General Musharraf has conveyed it to Washington that the Pakistani establishment at the highest level is engaged, behind the scenes, to ensure that their former boss is not humiliated on his return to Pakistan.

An American Pakistani and close associate of the former dictator, Raza Bokhari, has approached three former US Congressmen to campaign for foolproof guarantees from Washington, which Musharraf served with loyalty, regarding the former dictator’s smooth and trouble-free return to Pakistan by the end of this month.

An influential diplomatic source, who has received a copy of the communication sent by Musharraf’s confidante to the ex-US Congressmen, shared the contents of the letter with The News.

The message conveys how profoundly the former dictator is depending on foreign powers, particularly the US, for his return to Pakistan as a free man and do his choice politics and move around wherever he desires to.

The message for three former Congressmen also contained details about what they are expected to do for Musharraf besides telling the Americans that the ex-president would meet both King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia and King Abdullah of Jordan before his return to Pakistan.

Raza Bokhari is a US-Pakistani businessman, who is a confidante of Musharraf, and has also recently visited Islamabad to meet the US Ambassador in connection with Musharraf’s return. Bokhari seeks the trouble free return for Musharraf by ensuring that he is neither arrested in Pakistan nor is barred from travelling inside or outside the country.

The former dictator also seeks from the Obama administration as well as the US Congress a pro-Musharraf statement as soon as he arrives in Pakistan. He has also asked Washington to ensure that within a few days of his arrival, US ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter should meet Musharraf.

Three Congressmen whom the communication is addressed to include Bill Sarpalius, Lincoln Davis and Robin Tallon. The operative part of the communication, which is nothing less than an eye-opener to judge the tricks and trades of Pakistani rulers and politicians, is reproduced here:

“Dear ..... President Musharraf has announced that he is ending his self-imposed exile to lead his political party, All Pakistan Muslim League, in the next elections and arrive in the port city of Karachi between Jan 27th and Jan 30th. In this history shaping journey, President Musharraf will be accompanied by more 500 Pakistani expats from around the world, including 100 plus Pakistani Americans. There is also a contingent of more than 100 leading journalists and media anchors from US, Canada, UK, Europe, Middle East, China, India and Pakistan that has confirmed so far and the number is rising.

In preparation of President Musharraf’s return later this month, our hope for this month is to achieve the following:

1. Secure assurances from SOS that United States is doing its part to ensure that the following is achieved:

a. President Musharraf is not arrested on arrival to Pakistan. He is willing to face any charges false or real in the courts. There is no need to arrest him.

b. President Musharraf is not put on the “Exit Control List” once he arrives in Pakistan so that he can freely move in and out of Pakistan to fulfil his global obligations as a statesman, philanthropist, and opinion maker.

2. Inquire if our intelligence agencies will like to establish a process and share with us on an ongoing basis, if they become aware of any specific physical threat to President Musharraf in Pakistan or elsewhere.

3. Secure a bi-partisan letter signed by several dozen members of Congress addressed to the POTUS or SOS to demonstrate Congressional support for President Musharraf (proposed draft is under consideration).

4. On the day of Musharraf’s arrival to Pakistan, we should secure few members both in the House and Senate to speak on the floor in favour of President Musharraf’s return to Pakistan.

5. If President Musharraf is arrested or put on the “Exit Control List”, we must know whether the secretary of state and our ambassador in Islamabad will condemn such an act and demand that he be released and allowed to travel freely in and out. In addition, we need to line-up Congressional leadership to do the same.

6. We must ensure than within 48 to 72 hours of President Musharraf arrival in Islamabad, our ambassador must call on him in his home.

7. Not sure what the Secretary Clinton’s schedule is but President Musharraf will gladly make a trip to US or meet her elsewhere before his departure to Pakistan.

We can share with relevant folks in DC that a very high powered legal team led by Mr Hafeez Pirzada is working with the courts to ensure that he is not arrested or restrained. The relevant institutions within the Pakistani establishment at the highest level are also engaged behind the scenes to ensure that their former army chief, President Musharraf, is not embarrassed or dragged through the mud on his return to Pakistan. We must however not leave anything to assumption and continue to do our part in the US.

In addition it is OK to share that President Musharraf is heading to Jordan to meet King Abdullah and will go to Saudi Arabia to perform a religious pilgrimage and very likely also meet HM King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Nayef, Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal and intelligence chief Prince Muqram.”

APML leader Dr Amjad when contacted denied that US Congressmen were ever approached by or on behalf Musharraf to secure foolproof guarantee for his return. He said in the present tense situation between Islamabad and Washington the latter could not do much to help Musharraf.

Regarding Pakistani establishment, he said that instead of getting support from Pakistan Army it was conveyed by the military establishment to Musharraf that he should delay his return to Pakistan. “We have no support from establishment,” Dr Amjad categorically stated.

Musharraf spokesman resigns

LAHORE: The All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) spokesman Fawad Chaudhry resigned here on Tuesday amidst complaints that he was not being consulted by the party head, Pervez Musharraf, on key decisions.

Talking with The News, Fawad Chaudhry confirmed this, saying he had mailed his resignation to Pervez Musharraf, which was yet to be approved. Explaining reasons for this, he claimed that he was not being taken into confidence on key decision making, which was causing embarrassment to him. “I was made responsible for defending the party and explaining things to the media about which I was not consulted by the party head.

The party head had given different dates for reaching Pakistan and cancelled his programmes without consulting me and it was becoming quite difficult for me to justify the developments as I was not taken into confidence on any issue”, he added. Fawad claimed Musharraf had not even consulted him while giving the recent date of his arrival to Pakistan and he was not being informed of other developments in the party.