Former president Pervez Musharraf. PHOTO: AFP
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court issued a detailed verdict in the judges’ house arrest case on Thursday, declaring former president (retd) general Pervez Musharraf’s escape from the court premises a criminal act, Express News reported.
The court also summoned IG Islamabad, demanding a report on Musharraf’s immediate arrest.
According to the six-page detailed verdict, Musharraf’s personal guards who helped him escape, along with the on-duty police personnel, who failed to arrest him from the court premises, were also declared culprits.
Mohammad Amjad, Musharraf's spokesperson, called a news conference to announce that his lawyers would petition the Supreme Court on Friday to withdraw the order.
"We will file an appeal against the arrest order in the Supreme Court tomorrow," Amjad said. He added that Musharraf was "composed and in good spirits".
Earlier the same day, an Islamabad High Court judge had issued arrest order for Musharraf. However, security officers of the ex-president managed to escort him away from the court premises.
A senior police official said on condition of anonymity that normal procedure would have been an immediate arrest at the court, but no effort appeared to have been made to detain him there.
Soon after Musharraf fled, SSP Operations Yaseen Farooq and ASP Shakir along with other police officials went to his farmhouse for negotiations and returned back without any development.
Later during the day, an APML spokesperson claimed that Musharraf's farmhouse was declared sub-jail, and the Adiala Jail was given its control. An assistant superintendent jail will also be deployed outside the farmhouse, while the Islamabad police will provide security, according to the spokesperson's statement.
There was no official confirmation of the spokesperson's claim.
Musharraf’s lawyer Ahmed Raza Kasuri, speaking to the media, said that they will complete the judicial cycle so that no one can say that Musharraf bypassed the judiciary. “We are leaving it to the judges to show their impartiality,” he said.
Kasuri added that the entire world is watching the case and wrong signals are being sent. “People are asking, is this democracy? Is this rule of law? Is this the independence of judiciary? With the passing time, the courts are maligning their image rather than improving it.”
Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, who issued Musharraf’s arrest order, also cancelled his bail.
He further asked for terrorism act to be added to the petition.
APML response
After leaving the court without facing any resistance from police, Musharraf reached his house in Chak Shahzad, where additional security personnel have been deployed.
Dozens of supporters were gathered outside to denounce the decision, shouting "this is injustice," and "long live Musharraf" as senior members of All Pakistan Muslim League swept inside the house for talks, an AFP reporter said.
APML spokesperson said Musharraf will appeal in the Supreme Court against the order for his arrest.
"Musharraf is composed and confident. We will go for an appeal in the Supreme Court today. If the court rejects our appeal, we will present ourselves to the law," APML spokesperson Muhammad Amjad said.
"I think if an arrest is necessary, the authorities will declare the farm house a sub-jail," he added.
The spokesperson admitted that the order had come as a "surprise".
A day earlier, Musharraf told journalists that he was prepared to go to jail, if ordered by the courts, at a press conference meant to unveil his party manifesto but overshadowed by a barrage of questions about the cases against him.
According to a post on Musharraf’s official Facebook page, Dr Raza Bokhari - North American point of contact to Musharraf – issued a statement, saying that the Islamabad court judge, in an unprecedented move, took an unwarranted decision to reject the bail extension request.
The statement further said that state security apparatus assigned to Musharraf escorted him to his home in Islamabad “in the face of specific and credible physical threats to his life by the enemies of Pakistan.”
“We expect this unwarranted judicial activism, motivated by personal vendettas since his return to Pakistan to participate in the upcoming elections, will cease and the Supreme Court, without prejudice, will immediately grant necessary relief following precedence and the rule of law; the absence of which will cause mockery of the nation, can result in unnecessary tension amongst the various pillars of state and possibly destabilise the country,” the statement asserted.
Human Rights Watch
The US-based watchdog Human Rights Watch called on the military authorities overseeing Musharraf's protection to ensure that he presents himself for arrest.
"General Musharraf's act today underscores his disregard for due legal process and indicates his assumption that as a former army chief and military dictator he can evade accountability for abuses," said Pakistan director, Ali Dayan Hasan.
"Continued military protection for General Musharraf will make a mockery of claims that Pakistan's armed forces support the rule of law and bring the military further disrepute that it can ill afford," he added.
Background
The former president had imposed emergency in Pakistan on November 3, 2007 and detained many judges including Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry.
The former army chief returned to Pakistan last month after four years of self-imposed exile to contest May 11 general election, despite the possibility of arrest on various charges and death threats from terrorists.
Election officials had barred Musharraf from running for the National Assembly earlier this week, effectively derailing his attempts to regain a place in politics by standing at the polls.
COMMENTS (183)
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@Mango Man: A commander who took control of a failed state and turned its fate around !! C the economic indicators see the progress !! That too at a time when world was at war against the uslims and we were plagued by extremists !! Operations cleared Swat successfully millions of IDPs were rerlocated to their homes When did the commandor never failed !! The only failure was that the enemy of states forced him to leave !! In the name of Democracy !! And there you have it 5 years of pain and failure without the One man who could have taken us to new heights !! The corrupt bureacracy is out to get him in the name of the people and pseudo intelectuals like you are bveing fooled in the name idealist theories!!
Musharraf's all actions as president were in the interest of Pakistan except one of November 3, 2007 declaring Emergency. Every one is allowed to make one mistake. Musharraf acknowledged his mistake. Treat him with respect and dignity. Army should not leave him alone at the mercy of so called democratic and legal looteras. No law legitimizes beating citizens within court building and black coat beaters claims to be protectors of law. Where is suo moto now, and where is the supreme court.
The court concentrates on arresting Musharraf and not the target killers who roam free. This is what I call selective justice
@AlChemist:
I repeat, the courts do not make illegal decisions. The decision by the court is a law until it is turned down by a higher court. Every decision by a human is subjctive.
Rex Minor
@Roni:
Don't speak like a parrot. Go to the bottom of the news and search and write comment. If you have read the news today then you proved it wrong. He went to the court himself and surrender. Go and distribute the sweets.
@Rex Minor: Why is this sadistic idea? Musharraf is your creation. What do you think - we will accept rubbish?
i have one question to the pakistani people that why pakistan high court not arrested the musharaf when he ws abroad and why it was not happened besore the election ?Msharaf is innocent in his action becuse all parliment was involve in this actions which are inforced in Musharaf....
"Fugitive: IHC declares Musharraf’s escape ‘criminal act’"
If this is how the bravest of pakistan are..........
Loving it!!!!!
@Rex Minor: The courts do not make illegal decisions, is the basic one learns in schools.
The courts are headed by individuals which interpret the application of law based upon their personnel interpretation of available evidence and the matter in question. This interpretation is pretty subjective as it does not involve any restriction of parameters and calculations using natural scientific laws.
All of what you said and what I wrote goes into toilet, if the judge makes this a personal matter, not to mention the political leaning and religious affiliation.
Justice not served............rather someone tried to be a hero.
So what if he was ex President, and ex Chief. He did wrong he should be punished. It is because of him we are suffering. Started war in our own country for who? Few days back he accepted that he allowed Us for drone attacks. In his era used all surplus. broke many laws. And i dont understand why people are defending him? Should we forgive him if Nawaz and zardari are not trialed, atleast it is a beginning. he should be fairly trialed and as he fled before from country and now he escaped from the court (became fugitive), I think he should be arrested and kept in high security jail.
An unnecessary hype that has been created will not not be conducive to enhance the honor of the judiciary and the country as well. The former president, in this case has been charged under section 344 ppc for for keeping the judges in illegal confinement, the offence is bailable. The accused is entitled to grant of bail as a matter of right, refusal to grant bail is illegal. It is wrong to assume that the General has become absconder, he was legally entitled to avoid arrest and approach supreme court for pre-arrest bail.
@Mohammad: please be objective........ Mush was declared an absconder by a lower court in this case.... and islamabad high court only rejected his bail....if it were u or me police would hv arrested us from right inside the court............
@G. Din:
Musharraf told the truth...The boys in Kargill were the Let boys not the Pakistani Soldiers...Yes the Pakistani Army may have used them. Any intelligent General would use a bunch of free soldiers and utilize their hatred for India and save his soldiers from Danger. Musharraf is the most brilliant Military General of Pakistani History. Pakistan would have taken Kargill and the surrounding areas under Musharraf's army leadership had the then PM nawaz sharif not bowed down to international pressure which India exerted via its international friends.So from a Pakistani perspective nawaz sharif was the coward and should have been tried for treason in Kargill.
@basharat: The courts do not make illegal decisions, is the basic one learns in schools.
Besides, the accused may apply for the bail befoe arrest or in the court but has no automatic entitlement as a matter of right. It is upto the court to decide.
Rex Minor
If Musharraf is not tried for overthrowing a duely elected government. Way will be clear to do it again and again. This may be one time "evil doctrine of necessity" is put to rest for ever. Let it be an example for future adventurers. Question should also be raised about the collaborators. This will raise the painful but essential issue who were those people and what should be done about them? May be lot of people will not have the courage to face that question. A dictator cannot succeed without significant minority supporting him. Do you really want to do the right thing ? Time will tell
@USMAN786: "Indians will be very happy as they consider him Kargil warrior who killed their soldiers" WE Indians do expect that our enemies will kill our soldiers but what kind of a general abandons the boys he sends into the battle and then disclaims any responsibility he owes to those boys. Despicable behaviour of a man, with no character, none at all. He is a disgrace to the uniform he wears!
An unnecessary hype that has been created will not not be conducive to enhance the honor of the judiciary and the country as well. The former president, in this case has been charged under section 344 ppc for for keeping the judges in illegal confinement, the offence is bailable. The accused is entitled to grant of bail as a matter of right, refusal to grant bail is illegal. It is wrong to assume that the General has become absconder, he was legally entitled to avoid arrest and apply bail before arrest in the supreme court.
"can result in unnecessary tension amongst the various pillars of state and possibly destabilise the country"
Yep, because Pakistan at the moment is in a very stable state. What planet is that guy living in?
@Roni: I hope people now realize the difference between a dictator and an elected leader.. PM gilani followed court's order and left court's premise without any security whereas musharraf was abetted to escape.. PPP has never conspired against judiciary and despite court's biased attitude has only raised its voice but never did anything to undermine court's authority whereas musharraf's and nawaz's treatment for judiciary is evident .. i hope our media also realizes this and stop accusing PPP of corruption which it has never been able to prove anyway ..
Cant believe this is what we are doing for the person who saved this nation! He was the saviour of pakistan and a HERO! This is no way to treat him!
@Rex Minor: "If this guy continues to deny the laws of the country and defy the court oders, the supreme court will have no other choice but to annul his citizenship, deporting him to his country of birth. Rex Minor" . What if Germany annuls your citizenship?
@Ch. Allah Daad: "His popularity on social media fooled him. Reality on ground is completely different. These Dictators do not respect constitution and law. They insult constitutional boundaries openly but are stupid enough to seek justice from the same system which they had destroyed. " . NS attacked the Supreme Court as The future Ameer ul Momineen or as a person who received a sweeping support of the ballot box? . He got away with it, The rules apparently don't apply to him, as he respected the laws of the country.
The support for Musharraf is very difficult for us Indians to understand.
Because, the way we see Kargil, Musharraf arrogantly executed a half-baked operation without informing anyone. The result of Kargil was, India became a darling of the world for the restraint shown and Pakistan became the punching bag of the world. Pakistani army has a history of lying and hence most estimates suggest upto 4000 Pakistani soldiers died while half of that number died in Indian side.
The operation was a miserable failure with Pakistan having made no gains. The dead soldiers were buried in India, their family refused their right to bury the body of their loved ones.
Musharraf says, he is proud of Kargil and that Kargil was a victory.
Do you Pakistanis believe his words? Because if what Musharraf says is the truth, then the dictionaries around the world should change the meaning of the word 'victory'.
This alone should be enough for Pakistanis consider how foolish and arrogant Musharraf was. Now add other misdeeds to this.
So, how is it that Musharraf admired in Pakistan?
Wait a minute! Pakistan admires Osama and admonishes Abdus Salam. Pakistan admires Kasab and admonishes Muktharan Mai. Pakistan admires A Q Khan and admonishes Pervez Hoodhboy.
Everything is backwards in Pakistan. So, understandable.
@Saim Baig: "No one is above the law!!"
Since when?
its so funny....instead of blaming Musharraf, why dont they blame police that were present there??
We are lovin' it .
I don't like how the PCO judges are selectively settling old scores.
FYI non-Pakistani friends, The judge in question is an ardent supporter of Jamaat-e-Islami. He probably would not wait to impose Shariah in Pakistan, only if he could.
Musharraf should face the full force of the law. He still thinks he is above the law. He should be made an example to prevent generals from conquering their own country again.
That's what we do to who tries to do something for his/her country and I desperately hope that Imran doesn't meet the same fate!
Imran is our last hope and I sincerely pray that Allah protect him from all who stops him to be the savior of our beloved country PAKISTAN - Amen)
I can't recall any decisions from High Courts or Supreme Court against Benazir/Zardari and Sharif Brothers who literally destroyed the country (e.g. very obvious ones - railway, power generation, and no measures at all for the relief or to prevent flooding in rural Pakistan) and yet hoping to get another term. I still remember the campaign "Karz Utaro Mulk Sawaro" from PML(N), where did that money go??? Just want to say that I hope this time we make a wise and sincere choice.
It is ironic that the people who are freely making fun of Musharraf are enjoying this freedom of press and expression of their views on social media and other broadcast mediums such as Radio, TV etc. that was provided by Musharraf himself. Before Musharraf all you could see in print or or broadcast media was the official line of the ruling government. How can you guys forget the "glorious" days of the Mohtarma from PPP when a certain TV show was cancelled when the star (Moin Akhtar) said something funny in a Sindhi accent? I guess people in Pakistan deserve this particular "democratic" government and its associated "free" judicial system. Let these same people come back and there will be no Pakistan before the end of next term.
If you know the actual remarks of the judge, you will realize how much of a personal vendetta it has become for most members of the judiciary. Also, the judge made the former president appear on every single hearing. This has never happened in the judicial history of Pakistan, as the high profile personalities are excused from physical presence after 1st appearance. Not to mention everyone knows Musharraf's address and he is already barred from leaving country.
Justice not served blindly and evenly in Pakistan......
For all the Indian friends, please face the facts not the spoonfuls by local media.
Sign a petition to show support for Musharraf: http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/apmlpetition
Commando`s are trained to escape and Musharraf just did that..
What`s wrong in that?
This is all politically motivated for a so-called "independent judiciary". Whilst President he was immune from prosecution & the judiciary should accept that.
This is negative media propaganda against president Musharaf.
Sorry Pakistan, Musharraf is not available for arrest. "The general" is busy crying like a baby in his wife's arms in the basement of his farmhouse :p
Why those who directly or indirectly were instrumental in breaking off Pakistan and creating Bangladesh are not even questioned what to talk of putting them behind the bars? How anyone can be after my Bhaijan former President Gen (R) Pervez Musharraf and ignoring those who gifted half of the country? Can we prove to be prudent and judicious in our thinking and approach? Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Kuwait / iqbalhadizaidi.formerdiplomat@hotmail.com
Why only Musharraf? Musharraf did not run away, the officers failed to do their duty. Why is the court active in cases related to Musharraf? How can a government stay on stay order and the court does not takes notice of it ? Why is Raja Pervez Ashraf allowed to take part in the elections? Why only Musharraf is considered to the one reprehensible ? why not the peolpe who were with him at that time? What about those judges who took oath under the 2007 PCO act?Pakistan doesnt deserves Musharraf .. he should not have come back.
Musharraf should be tried for treason for abrogating the constitution. Those who legitimised the act of treason should also be tried. The judges should not get away with it like Dr Arsalan did.
@Saad Ibrahim Rasheed:
Well said! Perhaps Pakistan new leadership will follow through towards democracy and not militarism, education and independence instead of foreign aid outside reliance, Pakistan has a great reservior of people and they epresent the futue.
Rex Minor
@Mike Mohammad: "Shut up and go to your Indian online news. We know General’s slap on you Indians and you still feel pain."
Delusional much? He ordered soldiers into Kargill when India had withdrawn its forces for the winter. When India started retaliating, he did not even have the courage to take back the dead bodies of the soldiers he had sent to fight. He lied and claimed they were mujahidin and had nothing to do with Pakistan.
Another time he tried to backstab Vajpayee is in Agra July 2011. India and Pakistan had agreed on something. He then went and gave a TV interview to Indian press which was quite different from what was agreed and came back and expected to sign the document as though nothing had happened. Vajpayee maintained his dignity, did not respond to Musharraf's TV interview but Musharraf had to go back empty handed.
@Singh
I believe the general rule is that Presidents cannot be prosecuted while in office - but once they leave office they are subject to prosecution for any illegal acts including those they may have committed while in office. These days France tends to get most of the press for prosecuting past leaders.
The commando who was in a hurry to leave, broke world record of 100m dash from court premises to his bullet proof car which was covered by him in less than 9 seconds. For this extra-ordinary achievement he will receive an award from the CJP in the Apex Court soon.
@I am a Khan: Emotions though natural is human weakness and restricts rational thinking. I am not a Pakistani.. Sir I believe in peoples democracy and human rights and suffer with the victims and have no sympathy with the charlatans or the powerfuls who misuse their power and ride roughshod on Judiciary. He is a soldier first and was awarded all the medals for his brave actions in wars. He broke his oath of loyalty to the State when he acted against the democraticaly elected civilian Government which tantamounts to Treason which he followed through and surrendered the country's sovereignty infront of George W emissary. If he is a brave General as you say he was in wars then he should also know what is required of him as a General at this hour.
Rex Minor
it is totally unfair, taking no action against right culprits of the country, memogate, issue of integrity has long been forgotton. The arrest is clearly personal to let a good leader down.
@Mohammad: Indeed, I too am angry and speechless that we live in a country where those in positions of power are surrounded by an aura of invincibility that insulates them from the law of the land and allows them to escape punishment for their crimes. A country whose people are so jaded from years of misrule that they have learn to embrace dictators with open arms and accept the unequal treatment given to the average people of Pakistan with a smile.
After all these years, the judiciary has finally stepped up to do its job, and for the first time in history, our 'betters' are having their crimes brought out where everyone can see them so that they can be punished, yet at every turn the people who are bringing about change are flooded with accusations of bias and greed. For what? doing their jobs? This man took control of the country through the threat of military force, and you want to tell me that's not the very definition of treason?
I say bravo to all the brave men and women of the judiciary who are fighting to make positive change a reality in out lifetime.
It's mysteriously shocking to see why is there such a huge desire by talented persons to not just visit, live, enjoy sites & foods but ready to inevitably give their life for the land and it's people in a huge number, like bees to honey or shamma to parvana. Musharraf could not have not guessed this possibility. I mean how hard is it turn to the table around in a country gripped-in-violence & corruption. If past leaders were so ruthless and cunning there was this reason. Anyway, a soldier would not have lived happily outside his land. For future aspirants: Study history, make your choices wisely, disregard flattery, make a team of honest, loyal, smart and powerful men to help you decide. Above all: Check the "Winds" before a sea journey. The Sea is very unprictable and imensily powerful. Not to say, you have to be brave and prepared for any storm you face there, even at the final moment of sure-death. Thanks tribune for timely coverage.
@Mohammad: do you have any knowledge of law? If you don't appear in court then it is consider contempt of law and you are arrested and put behind bar. Pakistan military men think them self above law that is the reason they don't respect judiciary. what can you expect from ex head of rouge army?
Law should be like death which spares None...No matter whetherHe is a Commando or a common man..
I want to see him behind the bars as soon as possible
Mr Musharaf was a defacto fugitive ever since Pakistan high court issued a warrant of arrest against him. This could not be implemented outside the country for a variety of undeclared reasons. He stayed on most probably on the advice of his legal council until the appopriate time to sneak back into the country and have himself elected for the parliament and thus obtain the immunity against the arrest. This was the plan which did not consider that what if the high court does not grant a bail before arrest. Well, he did sneak in and also managed to get the bail before arrest from the high court. But then the Islamabad high court did deliberate with the initial hearings proceedues and did not grant the extention of the bail and iissued instead an arrest warrant. While on the other front the Election commission did not grant him to stand or election for any seat. Now his arrest or confinement in a prison cannot be regarded as a political punishment.
The above is based on the reports that I have read in the media, and with the use of Hegel's speculative logics. Rex Minor
I am sure he didnt ran in disguise...he just walked away because no one was stopping. The blame should be on police not him. If anything the IG should be fired.
@Atul Shukla:
Shut up and go to your Indian online news. We know General's slap on you Indians and you still feel pain.
It would be ironic if Mush had to resort to hijacking a plane to get out of Pakistan...
Shows how much he cares for the law! He broke the constitution when it suited him , imprisoned judges and when it does not go in his favour he runs!! Once a bully always a bully!
@Rex Minor:
General Musharraf is a celebrated SSG Commando who has fought four wars for his country and has always served Pakistan . What have these corrupt judges done except for settling personal scores. I would rather have your and their citizenship annulled. Also being born in Pakistan and coming from a majority province does not make anyone a good Pakistani, its the amount of service they have done that decides. and finally remember that Gen Musharraf's forefathers were the very people who created Pakistan.
Pakistan never ceases to amaze me. Perhaps this will set a precedence and generals/dictators will have to face the music for their transgressions in Naya Pakistan.
There is surprising similarity between our 'azaad adliya' and feudal mindset - more interested in settling personal scores (and politicians who do them favours are let off, of course) instead of doing anything that is beneficial to the common man.
So the judiciary shows its true face - vindictive and not concerned with following the law. 3-4 courts issue bail and one cancels it. Just wait another day and someone will cancel the cancelled one. To all those who are crowing about his so called "escape", that is just media hype. He did not escape. The gov't has to send an arrest party, if they don't what would you do, just stay in the court and wait? He is in his house and if the gov't decides to arrest him then they know where to find him. Long live Musharraf! His is the one and only true leader in Pakistan.
Arrest the culprit Musharraf who killed many innocents and also traded humans. He must also be booked for human trafficking. He talks about the supremacy of law and himself always flouted the law.....this time as well. Let's see how long he gets army cover to avert his arrest.
Musharraf can go to Indian consulate and seek political asylum. That may work.
Strange
"once a commando is always a commando"
His popularity on social media fooled him. Reality on ground is completely different. These Dictators do not respect constitution and law. They insult constitutional boundaries openly but are stupid enough to seek justice from the same system which they had destroyed. Hope, future Dictators are learning too.
Very Sad and Angry....A brave and honest leader like Musharraf does not deserve this. The corrupt ones are roaming free and the honest one is ordered to be arrested...and then we wonder why earthquakes are coming to this land...Fear Allah O People, be just and fair and do not victimize honest people like Musharraf.
Musharraf had an exaggerated idea of himself and is removed from reality. False bravado seems to have altered his sense of reality and made him delusional. The same delusions that led him to Kargil and then deny and flee when things got tough. If he had any sense he would have not returned to Pakistan given the fact that he is despised and reviled by large number, possibly majority of Pakistanis. As you sow, so shall you reap. Karma is exacting justice.
our common politician were arrested in the court but brave-Aramy guy fled from the court....hail..forces....
Isn't President immune to any prosecution against any decision he has taken as President? This is Law in most country. Oh I forgot it is Pakistan any thing possible.
Brave Gen. Mush. ran away. Bravely ran away, away! When danger reared its ugly head, He bravely turned his tail and fled. Yes, brave Gen Mush.turned about And gallantly he chickened out. Bravely taking to his feet He beat a very brave retreat, Bravest of the brave, Gen. Mush.!
A slight modification of minstrel's song from Monty Python's Holy Grail.
He made biggest mistake of his life by returning to pakistan he should have known that time has changed and he is on longer army chief and gone are the days in pakistan when military influenced pakistan today only terrorists influences pakistan
He should have surrendered at the court, a wrong move by Mr. Musharraf. This will only give more teeth to his enemies. If have come back than he should have been prepared for this situation.
Its an illegal act of this judicial martial law against a great leader of Pakistan. I protest against their all acts against president Musharaf. They must not forget that the game can change and they all will run out of the country and take siege in gulf countries.
The silence of the political parties and leaders is deafening! Are they paid to SHUT UP?
I am not a big fan of Musharraf but he seems to be a brave man as well as someone who respects the laws of the land.(because he is appearing before courts) Restoration of Justice Chaudhry does not mean that now our judicial system is washed with milk. the victims of that "judicial movement" may now abuse the due procedures to humiliate Musharraf. remember Justice Maulvi Mushtaq's wrath against ZA Bhutto.
The judiciary has made a mockery out of the institution. Instead of showing restraint, maturity, integrity and restraint, without of course sacrificing the rule of law, they appear to have chosen the route of populism. In the long run, it is only going to bring disrespect to the institution. A circus has been created unnecessarily. It is time some respected voices from the current judicial team or the media spoke out against the rout of this once - and could be - venerable institution.
Shameful turn of events. The court is obviously running a vendetta against him.
All leaders in Pakistan abuse power (including the Supreme Court judges) - and they are chasing the only person who was not a thief.
One Man who cannot stop smiling +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Nawaz Sharif! Will he negotiate a 10 year vacation for Musharraf in Saudi?
It is best in Musharafs own interest to go and face the charges against him. He must get his name cleared before any political adventure. At the moment he is on the run and the people of Pakistan are not so that they accept him as their true leader. He must understand this.
How can an Ex-General (Dictator) be arrested? After all he is not a elected civilian President of P.M. like Z. A. Bhutto or Nawaz Sharif. Mr Zardari will definitely be arrested once he is out of Presidency at the order of Court. Every layman knows the reasons.
Ridiculous, thing has happened a man declared convicted and escaped such as Punjabi movies scene........Wah Zardari wataa back scene contract.
If this guy continues to deny the laws of the country and defy the court oders, the supreme court will have no other choice but to annul his citizenship, deporting him to his country of birth.
Rex Minor
Mushi is great and brave man
What else the biased judiciary can do. Our legand will Inshallah will emerge stronger.
Let's not rejoice Pakistan is a country of surprises. Time will tell who will have the last laugh? He has not run away your judges have already got him ECL. It is not necessary that he court arrest in front of the judge. By the way he is far better than your corrupt politicians.
@Mohammad:
Nonsense! Your repititition does not improve the credibility of your statement. He is under arrest the court has not ordered the imprisonment in a village jail. This is the responsibility of the interior. He is no longer a VIP, but a suspect of several crimes! No one can protect him unlawfully now, He must be guarded round the clock for his own protection.
Rex Minor
@Guru...{{{How can someone escape from court ?? Confused !!! Something is basically wrong here… Help me understand.}}} He was being "protected" by a large escort of Rangers. The picture should be clear now...
Didn't they teach evasion tactics at SSG school? Where are team members of Musahrraf who were claiming to elect in uniform in 10 times. Lolzzzz.....
@Farhan Ishaq " Very disappointing. A clear demonstration of injustice and personal rivalry." court is doing what it should do, an ex military ruler derailed democracy and arrested Honorable judges for saving his military designation that was personal rivalry...
This guy is genuinely suffering from the loss of reality. How many people from the rural area of Pakistan know about their ex President residency outside Pakistan? This guy is now denegrading the office of the military high command.. Defacto, he is under arrest sorrounded by the security people. He should follow the rule of law as a common citizen as he expeted others to follow during his time. There is nothing worst than the contempt of the judicial court. If he believes that he has done nothing wrong, then he should also believe that judiciary in Pakistan has remained unblemished throughout its history before and after partition.
Rex Minor
This would happen to all non-feudal, non-biradri, non-corrupt and non-illiterate person trying to enter politics.
"He told us he was running for Presidency." - Court Security Guard, when asked why he didn't stop Musharraf.
@Mohammad:
No one should be above the law. He rode roughshe on judiciary during the military take ove and this he cntinues to do and with the support of those who believe in the rule of dictators of the 20th century. What a shame.
Rex Minorl
Next step for Musharraf is to flee the country. He should find some land route to escape because his name has been put on ECL. When Musharraf was in power, he used to say 'Main Darta Warta Nai Hun Kisse Se'. But now he has escaped as a coward person.
Another military intervention is not very far now.
@Sirf Pakistani: actually it is. remember musharraf didnt get amnesty from parliament due to PMLN?? or may be PTI kids were too young to understand politics 5 yrs ago.
Great decision but for the wrong reason. Musharraf should be tried for treason for passing NRO to save his own skin resulting in a disastrous 5 years of PPP government.
And Western press is reporting he fled the court. Only in Pakistan can you flee from a court. Just shows how much respect he has for the courts. Now if he leaves the country as well, it will be confirmed that all people are not equal in Pakistan, but we knew that anyway.
Musharraf on 15/4/13 “If that is the decision, I am ready to go (to jail)"
18/4/13 "Musharraf escapes from court"
KhulaTazaad?
bhagay kyun phir?
@Student:
i think iftikhar chaudri
Very disappointing. A clear demonstration of injustice and personal rivalry.
Protocol provided by army of Pakistan not government of Pakistan @Mohammad
Gen ran away from court just like he ran away during kargil?
Mushy gets back what he gave. He deserves.......
This is a comical tragedy! A General and a commando, who's claim to fame is 8 years of dictatorship of a failed state, which he took to a unwinnable war and lost, betrayed and abandoned his own soldiers on those snowy heights, today is running scared of the law of the land he once ruled! For all his bravado as a soldier and the defender of the country and the faithful, he has lost it completely! Just goes to show what pathetic Pakistan has in store for itself. This is a precedent that he has set for other politicians and rulers to follow! Time will tell!
@ Mohammad
and what Musharraf did can be called respect for adlia? If he was not happy with the verdict he could have gone on to appeal against it but running away from the court room and violating the court order I am sorry but this is not civil!
This shows the law is for the poor only. This General, who is a self proclaimed "leader", boldy disobeys the law of this country where he wants to implement justice & law..hahahahahha kiya ye khula tazaat nai..
Nothing new for brave "commando". He escaped from Kargil with same speed.
won't be long before PML-N take the credit that it was because of "their struggle" that a dictator is being arrested.
Court issued an order that is a pure act of vengence also as the article mentions NO ONE tried to arrest the president and his location i.e. his Farm House might be treated as Sub Jail People should read before commenting and calling the great commander anything !! What an ungreatfull bunch of blind followers..
How does a criminal manage to escape from court room? Musharraf thought he was popular amongst people for some unfathomable reason. He lived in his own dream world and maybe will snap out of it now.
To all who are telling Musharraf ran away from the court - WRONG! He left the court with the same protocol as of VVIP provided by Govt of Pakistan, NO ONE TRIED TO AREEST HIM... I REPEAT, NO ONE TRIED TO ARREST HIM.
The General cannot leave Pakistan due to court orders and the only way out is to ask his American friends to send Seals for taking him out of the country.
Come off, you cant arrest a General given VVIP protocol when he entered into the court and managed to leave place despite so called arrest orders.
All the judges alongwith CJ should be dismissed and they all must be tried for abrogating constitution by taking personal revenge against Musharraf. All the judiciary is the party in all cases therefore, one cannot expect any justice from this incompetent and bias judiciary. Long live Musharraf and Allah belss you.
Silly man, Why He returned Pakistan???
@Mohammad Are you serious?? Every person is first arrested before trail!! Don't you know that?? Or you are trying to be a tubelight just to favor a former dictator????
No one is above the law!!
this all is biased attitude. its very sad & shameful. Musharraf is the best possible stuff in the available lot of leaders. are rest of the leaders angels? why don't they be penalised in such a manner that they truly deserve. shame on the overall biased attitude of most of media persons.
@Rehman: i jumped a signal, does that mean that i dont accept rule of the country and i shud be tried for treason?
I personally feel that all the trail should be started after the general elections 2013, so that musharraf can do his election campaign freely. Now the situation is getting worse - many possibility that his farm in chak shahzad will be declared sub jail.
Lot to be done for putting in house in order first ..... Our civil / sessions court and other lower court performance is satisfactory? No improvement in cases in court seen during the last three years/....... Raja was also punished what happened...Supreme court was attack in Nawas Sharif era what happen?12 May happened what was done to punish culprit. I think at national level we should come out of personal conflicts
@USMAN786: We are not happy, we are sad. What a tamasha Pakistan makes of itself. How different it could have been if Pakistan gave up its stance of unrelenting hostility towards India. You might say 'how are these things connected?' Well, think about it.
Who would've known that a man who was once a president of a country, would be running away from being arrested... its sad :(
Who would have known that a man who was once a president of a country is now trying to run away from being arrested... its sad :(
@USMAN786: He has said in an interview "Kargil is military victory and political defeat" much to the amusement of Jaswant Singh. His false ego doesn't allow him to accept military defeat in Kargil. For strange reasons, the Indian government gave him VISA for years and now he has been banned entry. He seems to have lot of sympathisers in your military who will help him to stay free of arrest. It doesn't matter to any of us in India what happens to him in Pakistan
This would be quite funny if it wasn't so tragic. Obviously Musharraf sees himself above the law. What's going to happen now? A standoff at his farm? Will the police have to storm his premises and arrest him?
This nation will never forget two incidents 1. Hanging Bhutto 2. Lal Masjid Operation.
He deserve to go in jail... He played underground games in Pakistan... Its time to justice...
Finally the right steps are being taken against Musharraf, the usurper.
How can someone escape from court ?? Confused !!! Something is basically wrong here... Help me understand.
@Gp65: Musharraf is not fugitive.Police can arrest him if they want him for investigation.The judge' could have ordered his arrest in the court if he wanted that way.
Judiciary is playing the role of anarchists. Its indeed a sad day in our history.
Judges are playing against Mr. Musharraf. I m waiting for SHUT UP CALL for them.
He has done the same as could be expected from a third class culprit! A SPECIAL plane might have been arranged by “friends” to help him fleeing the country!
Can we expect police to be silent spectator for common man ?
Arrest order issued for a misguided patriot while bigger crooks walk free.
Why did he manage to escape from the court premises..? It exposes the weakness of our law and order system that a convict, if belonging to military, can get away with it.
Where are all those Musharraf supporters who call his bravado as brave?
Musharraf is a duplicitous person. One one day he says "he is ready to face jail". The next day he runs away like a lone Hyena under attack from a Tiger.
Is this your bravery Mr. Musharraf?
Did he really run away from the court to prevent getting arrested?? So much for the brave commando !!
Arrest him like any other citizen.Let justice be done
VIP culture at its best. Individuals like Musharaf consider themsleves above the law.
What a slap on the face of all the Pakistanis..!
hahaha...superb. The snake's head is finally being crushed. lovely.
Hahaha...I thought he was "ready to face jail". I suppose commandos know when to beat a retreat.
Quiz: Who is the first PCO Judge ?
Yes..... I really wish Musharraf could leave the country without being touched...he did not murder any body in cold blood like Raymond Davis who was allowed to leave the country after killing an innocent soul....he was giving protocol for that matter... What an irony... May God protect Musharraf all the way .... Aameen !
The CJ, courts and lawyers mafia will harass and victimise former President and former COAS Pervez Musharraf to the hilt.His political career is now shining and shall be reaching peak after some time. It is a difficult path but once in politics,it has to be adopted.Sooner or later a very large number of people will join him. Best wishes to Musharraf.
oh what a set back ! he probably had no idea of storm coming .
If he is still in Pakistan, why can't he be arrested now?
Also, I did not understand the following :
"security officers of the ex-president managed to escort him away from the court premises. On-duty police personnel failed to arrest him despite the order."
Does this mean, the duty police defied the court order? Or that they approached Musharraf, when his security frisked him away. If he was frisked away, why didn't the duty police chase him?
This story is utterly incomplete. bad journalism.
However, I am liking that Musharraf is being treated like a common thug. That's exactly what he is - a bully and a fool.
Pakistani Police already knew that Musharaf will escape. They maintained their record.
Sins of Kargil misadventure. General hiding in his own country. What kind of Generals does Pakistan have?
what a BRAVE GENERAL
Now another episode has begin. Musharraf will handover himself to the Police.
He has gone to change his dress.
hahahaha it had to come to this
The courts are unnecessarily trying to make a hero out of musharraf.
and they say he is a brave man
He has done the same as could have been expected from a third class culprit! A SPECIAL plane might have been arranged by “friends” to help him fleeing the country!
let's hope another awami leader lands in pakistan soon!!
Woah!! Things suddenly went to pot? I thought everything was going all dandy.
The inevitable has happened. Mush should have listened to his allies and stayed away from Pakistan.
This is just the beginning of the welcome party organized for his true home coming.
Musharraft: Fugitive from Law +++++++++++++++++++++++ Has he also flown in an air ambulance to Dubai?
This looks bad. It seems like judiciary and army establishment are headed for a confrontation on this one.
ROFL. How the 'Commando' has fallen
Vested interests wants Mashraf to become Z.A Bhutto, Col. Kazafi, Raza Shah Pelavi, Hussni Mubarik, Jamal Abdul Nasir in order to humilate Pak Army
So now Musharraf is a fugitive from the law? I thought he was vigorously going to fight all cases against him and was not afraid of jail? Bullies are also usually cowards.
And will the court pass contempt of court notice against the police who failed to arrest Musharraf despite court orders?
Ha Ha Ha What type of politician and Pakistan lover is he.
Allah has made you the judge and do the justice like HE does, you made the people to suffer.
Sad to see this - if Musharaf is being issued arrest order then Nawaz Shareef should be tried and given too for treason - when he asked for the whole country and Pakistani's living abroad to donate in order to get rid of the debt !!! that is a betrayal too !!
Beginning of end ???
How you can arrest a former President of Pakistan, who is not convicted by any court, his arrest warrant were issued for not appearing in court, not because of any verdict. What a pathetic country we live in.
The so called azaad adlia... I am so angry and speechless.