NEW DELHI: Former president and chief of the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) General Pervez Musharraf said that keeping in retrospect the current civil-military tensions, he was ‘reasonably sure’ that the military will not resort to a coup.
“I don’t think the army intends to take over. The environment is not at all conducive for the army to do so. I think it (army) understands that,” Musharraf told Indian journalist Karan Thapar at CNN-IBN’s show ‘Devil’s Advocate’.
However, he also made it clear wherein his loyalties will lie in the aftermath of any such eventuality.
“I’ve been an army man and I can never imagine being against the army ... I am with the army, I will stand by the army,” he made it clear.
Alliance with PTI
Musharraf, whose APML recently organised a rally in Karachi which drew a lukewarm response from supporters, said he was open to forming an alliance with cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), but will not serve under the latter if he is elected to power.
“If they [the PTI] want an alliance, certainly I would like to have a coalition. We have arrived at a third political option precisely because the present two political alternatives have been tried and found wanting,” he asserted.
“There is need of a coalition of forces which can bring about the ‘third political option’ which might be able to deliver for the country,” Musharraf, who intends to return to Pakistan from self-exile later this month, added.
He made it clear he was aware of people in Imran’s party, who kept saying that they will not get into an alliance with him.
“But they don’t have a vision. These politicians don’t understand what they are talking about. They go into the field and lose and then (people) choose the same party,” reflected Musharraf.
However, at the same time, Musharraf ruled out any chance of him serving ‘under’ Imran, if and whenever the alliance came into power.
“I cannot serve under him. I can be outside ... I cannot serve under anyone basically,” the former military ruler said.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 16th, 2012.
COMMENTS (94)
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"I cannot serve under anyone". Well said Musharraf, your thinking is so mature and reasonable. You can keep staying in England and joy your life there.
Shame on the shameless person.
i pray to Allah almighty that he will come back to pakistan and should be treated as a common person here every army person do his duty and it is their responsibility that he ignore that person and all the cases which was lodged against him should be heared by the forum in which they are pending in his absence,no bail concession should be given to him because he is an absconder in the eye of law, do justice to that person who betray his oath and lesser our image in the whole world and suspended our consitution by force and threats, therefore no one can do such kind of effort ever again, he should be example to all. practice article 6 of the constitution of islamic republic of pakistan on him at any cost what ever the consequences are, it's the voice of whole pakistan nation by true pakistani for the nation.
Still love u
I will not work "Under" , no surprise, You are a dictator.
"Will side with the army". No mention siding with the country or the constitution. hmmmmm
We saw you for 9 years. Witnessed your "Show of Power" in Karachi. You left your post and country in disgrace you deserved. Just today read news that Indian Chief of military went to supreme court against the government on his retirement issue. (Not a fan of khadim of Takht-e-Lahore) but he fired you within powers of constitution, look what you did. You insulted the constitution, and also made him a political Martyr, on top of that you brought current government through NRO.
confusing as it may seem to see and read from soo many people, educated, liberated, those who even have exposure to over-estimate the personality and furthermore admire the actions of ruthless person whose foundations for every act have been so forth in causing further harm to the nation, his personality and furthermore to confuse the society at large.
Musharraf, had all the strong reasons for a self-exile which he will not utter a word about, or probably if he does he will surely miss out his extravagant trips to the US and his luxurious lifestyle whilst he relaxed in the UK.
A person driven with fear at most occasions, who initially planned the Kargil attack and then seemed to gain the benefit from the country as he resumed talks with the Indian Counterparts is by all means a contradictory action by a self-proclaimed leader.
while i may be able to talk about several other actions, including his involvement in the JJVL (gas project), lal masjid, Akbar Bugti (completely cutting off the Baluchi brothers), his involvement in torture and extradition cases etc.
a Dictator of a single day is not a leader by logic, by history, or innate traits.
i beg my Pakistani brothers to please wake up and realize what goes around in the country before you start making comments on a leader of yours who left the country when he was being summoned to be assassinated the day he did not hold his position anymore!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@mr akhter: Fully Supported http://interestingabouteverything.wordpress.com/2011/10/01/is-democracy-a-solution/#comment-2
Islamic Caliphate is the answer!
Yes , we need you , You were not a dictator ! The issues raised against you are politicized . Love you MUSH
'i cannot serve under anyone' a true dictator.
Mash'Allah, Good to see progressive minds here. God Bless Musharraf for his services to Pakistan.
@Roflcopter. Are you the whole nation ? I will not support any coup
If Pakistan exists....................you can make/amend constitution as per the aspirations of People. So Pakistan and its interest is more important.
No one should underestimate Musharraf. Let him come in the country and you will start seeing a difference.
off course you will, you are habitual Mr ex presidentante and military man.
Musharraf is a time tested and successful leader, who has all the abilities that we need in someone to lead us. The response in terms of comments he receives in itself is a proof that people have interest in him. Have you you ever received such response to any news related to NS?
Well "Dictator" Musharraf made institutions/industries stronger:
HEC(most notable) Telecom sector(gave thousands of jobs to common pakistani citizen) CNG stations (invested alot to find many new gas fields.) NADRA(made largest database) Media(i dnt need to write anything here.)
PTCL(privatised and is currently performing really well.employing thousands of people)
Local Govt System( Mustafa Kemal became best mayor of khi etc etc)
PIA and Railways performance were satisfactory.
many road s constructed (M1,M3, kohat tunnel,lowari tunnel,coastal highway etc etc)
17 billion $ in reserves.
so he killed sm mad men in lal masjid or hand them over to us? so wat?...i am gnna vote for him!
Can Musharaf supporters please clear my misconceptions if that is what you call em....Mush says “I cannot serve under him. I can be outside..I cannot be serving under anyone,” ... Which window did your stand of "Pakistan first" go out of that you so falsely wear on your chest...If you stand for Pakistans interest than you should set aside your personal ego and stand with and be willing to work with or under whoever can serve the country best...If the mantra is Mush as PM or the highway, than it is very clear you are in it for your own personal lust for power rather than any higher selfless cause of Pakistan's interests that you fool the nation with! And secondly you say you will side with the army in the case of a coup! you violated the sanctity of the Law of the land twice in your lust to grab and then hold on to power and are proudly boasting your willingness to stand behind breakers of the law and constitution again!! Shame on you sir (i resent using that honorable title for a man who has no respect for the law) and your stances truly reveal the shallowness of your claims of bringing about change! How can a man who breaks the law and considers himself above it, consider himself a leader or stand for change & bringing justice, is beyond my comprehension!!
@TangAGaya: and what exactly has he delivered??? Shaukat Khanam and the World cup were great achievements, but don't confuse them with delivering the nation of its evil. he might, but we don't know that yet Yes, Musharaf has shown that he can do things for the greater good of the country and since I have been alive, I haven't seen that before or after and boy!!! I have been alive a long time.
leave us alone ........ u dictator ....... we don't want the history to be repeated ........
Where else can you stand, you the coup-maker?
@Sharjeel: Does Imran Khan said,i would serve anyone except constitution?.....so Musharaf is also a leader, he is saying i can remain out,means without any Government designation, Soniya Ghandhi was also out of congress.....but was a leader....so open your mind man..
@Lobster: You Guys are whether extremists or insane, Musharraf has nothing to do with power.he enjoyed power at its best ,which Imran even will dream for 10 years....Musharraf is curious about the strength of Third political option......so people with small gray matter must start thinking vigilantly not like a pseudo molvi of lal masjid...
'But in the event of a choice between the civilian government or the military, Musharraf categorically stated he will side with the institution that he served until he shed the uniform to become the president of Pakistan. “I’ve been an armyman and I can never imagine being against the army … I am with the army, I will stand by the army.”'
Hmmm.... there you go! This proves that Pakistan exists for its army and not the other way about. The army apparently is the defacto law, constitution, ruler, power, and policy maker of Pakistan.
Guys!!! I am reading through your comments and one thing for sure you haven't seen anything yet. Pakistan in about one more year will collapse totally as we do not have any money to pay to IMF.
Imran Khan will be a good choice but again He has never been tested and never been a minister or prime Minister of Pakistan. He has been tested and delivered in small projects which was completed over 6 years of time. Pakistan do not have that much time.
Because Musharraf gets paid 0.15 million dollars to deliver one hour lecture so guys he has to be something. His ten Years were the best for Pakistan after Ayub Khan.
I believe at this point Musharaf can get International funding through his name and making Pakistan economy stronger. Please try to understand the situation overall.
Army would have taken over the government very long time ago. But they want this by law. Because If Pakistan failed to deliver funds to IMF by End of June, Pakistan will be in the position where poor people will be dying of hunger, no jobs because the export will be effected because in the international market we couldn't compete against. So this will bring companies to shut down eventually.
One more thing!!! What if Imran Khan is a agent of US OR UK. He will be the prime minister and will manage to take his time over 4 months of time and the crisis for Pakistan. WE CAN"T NOT TAKE THE RISK AT THIS TIME.
Go dictator go. We don't need u
Once a dictator always a dictator. We pay army's wages with our taxes and their duty is to defend borders. We don't pay them to misuse their powers
Please, Musharraf had ABSOLUTE CONTROL even then he failed and lacked the will of tackling Pakistan's fundamental problems. Do you think he can do any better in a democracy ?
I feel sorry for Pakistan because we are a country of 180 million people and have not found a single decent leader since Mr. Jinnah. Maybe Imran can prove history wrong.
@usman: Did u lived in Libya?? :p
His statements illustrate what's wrong with Pakistan's self appointed leaders.
Is there any point in wasting newsprint on this gentleman who is by now a has been and who has no realistic chance for future power in Pakistan?
The west and India seem to give him a fair degree of importance by asking his opinions because of his previous role in power. He is also a convenient maverick like other erstwhile rulers of the region and makes good newspaper copy.
Pakistan's media should not jump on the same band wagon. An architect of the scandalous NRO, he has very little to offer towards a democratic law abiding vision of Pakistan. We will not move forward if we keep fixated on these no hopers.
Best to ignore uncle. For better or worse, he has played his innings.
Why not........the army will at least be better than a bunch of crooks.
The unfortunate truth is that the current democratic government's own incompetence and clumsiness is leaning the public opinion toward the army's side. And the right-wing rhetoric of the private media definitely doesn't help.
@Khawar:
Yes indeed. Pakistan deserve dictators. In fact Pakistanis love them.
@Yasir Sheikh:
Apparently YES
Indeed a agreat visionary leader - true Pakistani. Constitution is for Pakistan - not Pakistan for constitution. Next election will be battle batween corruption lovers and corruption haters. Honest leader such as Musharraf is need of the day.
Of course Musharraf's first loyalty is not to the country or constitution but to himself. He proves he still thinks like a dictator. He is not fit to rule and should be charged when he returns.
Pir pagara called him thug of Delhi how can he be a democrat!!!
Mr Musharraf should be supporting the Pakistan constitution and rule of law. Nor army / isi if it does anathor coup. This guy is a charlatan and a coward.
Present stand off between the PM and Army Chief has given rise to speculation of coup. But, in all probability, there may not be a coup this time though Pakistan is dangerously close to it. The reason is the growth of a strong civil society led by the lawyers and supported by the Judiciary. Then, is not Pakistan moving towards Army, Judiciary and lawyers troika to run the system - similar to what British colonial power did in India sub continent before 1947 ?
Love you Sir. Waiting for you - expect your golden era to revive. We must get rid of incompetent PML-n and PPP. These two parties have left the country to no where. Pakistan was thriving under Musharraf, while now the country under PML-n and PPP has nose dived.
He is answerable for the assasination of late Abar Bugti and the rebellion in balochistan.he is answerable for letting in thousands if foreign spies into Pakistan.He is answerable for the death of possibly hundreds in the Red Mosque operation.He is answerable for the massacre of May 13th Lawyers in Karachi,.We look upon the Supreme Court of Pakistan to deliver justice against the crimes under his dictatorship
The damage inflicted to the image of Pakistan and its armed forces by this man (Musharaff) can never be matched with any of the worst enemy of Pakistan. The biggest damage was the loss of fear from the hearts of the enemies of a nuclear Pakistan. In any situation, the perception of strength of the opponent is the biggest deterrent against aggression. And if fear of our power and our resolve to use our power is removed from the hearts and minds of our enemy, then believe me every thing is lost. And the proof of my statement can be gauged by the fact, how easily Afghanistani forces have been attacking and killing our men in the past. And look how easily Musharraf allowed India to build fences along line of control, which is never allowed as per international law.
@mr akhter: We have almost similar example of Turkey where US needed help of Turkey to attack, now look the difference Turkey's parliament took decision which lead to economic progress with US aid and on other hand Musharaf lead country to war, look at the difference between democracy and dictatorship where decision is all inclusive and whereas dictator takes decision single handedly and leads country to disaster without being accountable.
Musharraf is very much dellusional and has an ego problem. He will not work under any Pakistani but is more than happy to work under Americans. He will not side with the law of the land in case of a coup.
@mr akhter
i agree that musharraf had taken some good steps but his negative steps nullify them for instance you say free media is because of musharraf but you should also remember later he clamped down on media. Initially investment did come in Pakistan but due to his poor war on terror policies investments have left. He did nothing for independent judiciary. Federation became weak during his tenure. Pakistan is not only islamabad karachi or lahore. Look what is happening in balochistan, fata. A book can be written on musharraf's wrong doings.Musharraf had a great opportunity but he blew it.
Unbelievable, he can still say that he supports those who will tear apart the constitution and people on this page are still liking him.
i thank mr musharraff for saving our country from oblivion back in 2001 If he had not taken this difficult and unpopular move would all be living in caves after a joint strike by india and usa on pakistan and india. he walked a tightrope in international diplomacy and delivered economically for people of pakistan. He invested billions in education institutions of pakistan just look at the university campuses in sargodha,lahore,gujranwal,gujrat etc etc. He set up HEC He freed up the media and as a consequence we have hundreds of channels dedicated to news. He made a massive network of roads for rural people, he is responsible for explosion in controlled sheds, dairy farms, telephone companies like mobilink,telenor etc , lets not forget the internet we enjoy is because he pushed for foreign investment in ptcl. He encouraged overseas pakistanis to invest in pakistan and move back to pakistan. Total opposite of zardari and co who are chasing them away!
@Farz: Don't be blind! He said it that he'll stand by the Army not by the Constitution (that is, Country!). Pakistan has turned into a medieval society where people expect a strong man goads to them to what to do and where to go unfortunately!
@mr akhter very valid point..
we dont even go to vote and then we crib. Majority of the nation sleeps while only 25% to 40% vote.
As for musharraf i dont see any future for him in pakistan. He has destroyed balochistan. This war on terror has become a killer. And above all he gave us NRO.Pti will do a suicide attack on itself if it makes any alliance with musharraf. Although imran khan himself has clarified no alliance with musharraf
I stand by you sir ........... Democracy is essence that was given by in your tenure unlike the civilians dictators who are now imposing their next generation on people of Pakistan ...............
@Roflcopter: You said, In the event of a coup the whole nation will stand by the army.
You can simply say it in two words, ' Mass Suicide' !
Youb Sir are a soldier ( iam not sure how good) and NOTHING ELSE. I remember your image of smoking yout cigar and handling the pistol. That image was symbolic of your actions & convicingly represensts who you really are! This you will have to live with. NO POINT in returning-trust me!
Democracy is where 25% of the population turn out to vote, the party that gets 13% or greater of this group gets to rule and decide the fate of the whole country (approx 87%) so even though majority of the country did not vote for this party they have to accept rule from a party that does not believe in democracy(no voting allowed within ppp or pmln) so whose the dictator?
Musharraf is a coward. Those who keep saying that he’s brave, remember that it was he who could not say NO to the U.S when it came to helping them in Afghanistan, and always bent down in front of them and handed over 600(according to his book) Pakistanis to the U.S without any fair trial. He’s as coward as the politicians. It was him who bombed the tribal areas which gave birth to the Pakistani Taleban. It was him who handed over Afghan Taliban ambassador to the U.S without a trial and now we even have them hating us. It was him who gave CIA a free hand and let them establish a huge network in Pakistan, which was not done during Zia’s regime also when U.S needed our help. Even Pir Pagara didn’t like him eventho Pir had good relations with all the other dictators. http://707monty.blogspot.com Hard to believe the words of a guy who took over illegally and ruled as a dictator for 9 years. If anything Musharraf should be arrested and put in jail for damaging the democratic process.
Musharraf holds a wild card, a tipping point that will trigger the shift. Imran alone can only have 20 seats - BEST SHOT. Musharraf will bring MQM, Hamid Nasar Chatta Group, Marvi Memon, Pakistan People's Party Parlimentarian Group headed by Faisal Saleh Hayat, Sherpao and many former Nazimeen who can easily get 50 seats all put together. PTI then will join hands.
Obviously the whole nation would stand behind the Army..no question...
@RH:
Because none of the above persons asked shias to get together in suh massive numbers when they knew that law and order situation is not good in the country. If you have to mourn, please do it individually. We didn't hurt you and we are not responsible, so please!!!
The general has shown his true colours, no matter he wears the skin of democracy, he is still a dictator, having destroyed the country for ten years, he unsuccessfully assumed the mantal of a political party. Only insane will vote him who so shamelessly supports a military coup in the country while leading a political party.
"I cannot be serving under anyone" this quote just portrays how DEMOCRATIC this guy really is. I feel sorry for the people who think this guy should form an alliance with PTI or that this guy can solve Pakistan's problems.
“I cannot serve under him. I can be outside … I cannot be serving under anyone,” Ego up his sleeves! does he want to serve Pakistan? I doubt it..
wish musharaf to join PTI
A crow will always be crow. Dictatorial habits die hard.
Kasuri is laying groundwork for him to join PTI.
IK also sympathetic as he voted fro Mush int he referendum .
We Pakistanis are highly emotional and are always carried away with charming slogans. Democracy off course is the best form of government. Were we looking for this democracy which has almost brought every institution to its knees? Who is responsible for all this mis -governance? The irony of the matter is that, the mighty politicians even do not like to be criticised. So, will we hold them accountable or elect them once again to sell the remaining institutions?
I will leave the PTI if they embrace the former dictator who is in denial
Pakistan need a leader and he is the one. Tried tested and succeed. We were living in a different Pakistan during his time much tolerant, much vibrant, much prosperous. Lets welcome and support him. We have seen the quality of leadership in last 4 years present in Pakistan.
Agree with Musharraf, in fight bw Army and PPP, one must support Army!!
duhh... so obvious
Rumors are afoot that Musharraf might not return after all. Presumably, the establishment is discouraging his comeback. I hope there's no veracity in these rumors.
Biases and political persuasions aside, every Pakistani ought to honestly answer this basic question: Was Pakistan a better governed/managed state in 2008 than 2012?
We've regressed in all directions since Musharraf's departure. We have the same COAS, CJ, IK and other curmudgeon politicians today as we had in 2008. The only man who was eased out because he was relatively principled was Musharraf. I'm optimistic that masses of Pakistan will not let down the man who courageously and honestly worked for their betterment. Musharraf must be back in the saddle and I hope he ruthlessly eliminates anti-state elements for good this time around.
Imran said the he will oppose the military in case of a coup. The difference between him and Musharraf should be obvious to those who still doubt PTI.
Musharraf is right that Pakistan needs third political power.However, both Musharraf and Imran are not in a position now to unilaterally bring about any political change in country. Hence need alliance to make any significant inroads otherwise their struggle is likely to go waste.
Musharaf tried for a dacade to discredit Ppp and PMLN but failed.right or wrong majority of people are with these two parties ,his only chance is if the army takes over but will anyone be in a mood to hand over the prize to him By joining Imran khan,he will become a nobody
Haha.. Has he started career as a comedian yet?
Why are you giving top coverage to this delusional has been and not the story about Shias being slaughtered?!
Pakistan needs Musharraf more than ever. It is in the hands of most corrupt people. His joining hands withIK is a good step. Only he can bring an end to the dirty games being played these. The people are suffering for want of basic essentials.
General sb says "the two political options presently and in the past have been tried and failed.."
Come on man your mighty institution does not let any democratic set up work smoothly, behind the door, they pull the strings, and they maneuver and manipulate civilian set up to keep their control over them. Democratic set has NEVER completed 5 years term since the inception of Pakistan and you Junta leaders completed 10s of years. What have you made Pakistan..war mongering, fundamentalist, poor, and national security state??
You are no more dictator so come out of this attitude.
I pray Allah give ex-President Musharraf some intelligence. One day he will realise that people support Imran Khan not because of his lofty claims but rather his experience and his proven ability, to deliver. As for Musharrafs claim that PTI has no vision, what vision did Musharraf have: he had zero vision of energy regime and gave away CNG station while throwing the country deep into crisis, he enacted the black law the NRO and made corruption legal and therefore the level of corruption has skyrocketed.
Please Mr Musharraf I and the millions of othe your people would rather take a chance with Imran than to trust you again.
The Army Coup will only come when the Government will refuse to obey the orders of the Supreme Court’s judgment on the Mono-Gate issue. In this case, the Supreme Court will ask the Army to dismantle the present government.
General Musharraf is expecting that before his arrival the Supreme Court will deliver its judgement.
Every one knows in the country that General (Retired) Pervez Musharraf is a standby President of Pakistan who is going to make the interim government to hold fresh elections in the country.
The other possibility is if there is a direct Army Coup, in this case there will be no elections for a long time to come and Mr. Imran Khan and Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif will be looking at each others faces.
Musharraf and Imran must work together.
Mr. Musharraf forgot about third political option, which was also tried and failed... his ruling party when he was COAS and President.
Sadly now this option is an important political arm of PTI. Same faces, same corruption, his third option, made nefarious decisions in the history of Pakistan.
Musharraf is a loyal son of Pakistan. For him Pakistan is above any personal gain. This is further proof of his selfless devotion to the cause of Pakistan and for it's people to prosper. The only leader who has the ability to defend Pakistan on international forums and so on. He would support anyone who is loyal and honest. Musharraf is the only hope for this country.
Sub say pehle Pakistan!
APML Zindabad!
In the event of a coup the whole nation will stand by the army.
lol @ "If PTI want an alliance"
"I can be outside.."
Yes you will be outside forever. If you come back you will be "inside" jail. A quote for you from recent interview of Dr. Cohen:
"Musharraf fooled himself and everyone else"