“Proclaimed offenders like Musharraf should be arrested,” said Interior Minister Rehman Malik while speaking to the media. “He will have to answer many questions on his return to Pakistan,” Malik said.
The former general is wanted in various high-profile cases pending in local courts, including his alleged involvement in former premier Benazir Bhutto’s murder, the interior minister said.
Musharraf has already been declared ‘proclaimed absconder’ by the local courts, Malik added. Earlier, senior special prosecutor Azhar Chaudhry also said that Musharraf will be arrested on his return to Pakistan.
Azhar, who is representing the federation in Benazir Bhutto’s murder case, said there is no need to issue new warrants for his arrest since the anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi has already issued arrest warrants in the case.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 9th, 2012.
COMMENTS (29)
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The mysterious workings of the Pakistan government are simply astounding. If Musharraf is a "proclaimed offender" (whatever that means), as claimed by the government, then you'd think that it would be pleased to see the general return to face the music, and indeed would welcome the return.
@Imran:
I am quoting line from comment posted by someone else, the quoted text is as follows: @usman786: I feel sorry for Balochis but not NABughti who exploited money from oil coys and did not anything for ordinary people.
My resopnse to this comment is as follows:
So if someone were to kill you for your money & wealth but donate all your organs to transplant patients, he will be considered righteous person deserving respect in your opinion?
Looks like you got my comments wrong, I regret any confusion about my earlier post. Looks like we both are saying the same thing that hate comments against Baloch as unfounded.
Akbar Bugti was a gaddar. anyone who burns Pakistan flag, should be hanged in front of general public. Bugti and company want to become sheiks of Balochistan so after seperation from Pakistan they will become sheiks and see rvents of the west like rest of the Arab Emirated.
@ bhai, (should be or would be) Doctor used correct words, because he is not sure that his government would hang on till 27th. He is pleading to next government.
Mr. Mushrraf was a dictator but much better then any civilian Government. Why? Because 1- Muharraf didn't build his multi billion empire in 9 years of his rule 2- He improved GDP from 0 to 6% 3- Stock exchange from 4000 points in Sahreef's goverment to 17000 points 4- He paid off 60 billion dollars dept of Pakistan and force IMF to get loss 5- in his era Karachi was a most peaceful city 6- in his era Pakistani rupia was 59 to $1 7- in his Era electricity was 60 percent cheaper I can go on and on. Democracy is not for uneducated jahil people because they can not make rational decisions based on logic. PPP and PMLN are worst the dictators because their leaders either want to rule the country or keep in their family. No other worker can become a prime minister or a president of any of these parties.
should be or would be?
Musharraf was a dictator who took over power illegally and stayed for 9 years. He was justly thrown out. How can such a man expect to come to Pakistan when he is responsible for destablizing the nation and bringing terrorism? I think Musharraf should remind himself of what Egypt and Libya want to do with dictators.
What is this threatening rhetoric from;Rehman malik. If at all it is needed a bail can always be arranged. I think Musharraf is couragious enough to face any trial
Musharraf should be put in military court and charged with treason for subordinating the nations interest to US/NATO the price of which Pakistan is paying now
Musharaff to be arrested and Qadri Killer to be Released Welcome to insanity, Welcome to Pakistan
It won't happen. Musharraf's allies, who benefited tremendously during his tenure in the form of rapid promotions, are still in control in his all powerful constituency. They ensured a safe passage for him, and they will protect him if he returns. One must not confuse that it is not the civilians who give the Guard of Honor.
A weak statement by Rehman Malik. People were expecting a "Would" instead of "Should"?
@Pan Mat: How much money was Bugti paid? Do you have any concrete numbers or just repeating the same Establishment's mantra Pakistani people are sick of listening? And even if we take your argument, why successive military dictators were giving him money? Why not include Balochis into mainstream by offering them prospects, decent living, education, jobs, and a control over their own resources. Building garrisons in Balochistan, torturing Balochis, and usurping their resourcing are not going to make you win an argument here.
@Mohammad Ali Siddiqui: Where do live? You think there is rule of law in this Land ???
@usman786: I feel sorry for Balochis but not NABughti who exploited money from oil coys and did not anything for ordinary people.
So if someone were to kill you for your money & wealth but donate all your organs to transplant patients, he will be considered righteous person deserving respect in your opinion?
I don't believe of such a rumours....
Anything can happen but Zardari might help Mush again just like in 2008...
He should be arrested and severely punished for what he did to Balochs, Pakhtoon by introducing terrorism in most peaceful areas and for what he did assisting on BB's killing and torturing PMLN workers, and for what he did to judiciary.
LOL -- only in Pakistan would there be discussion about whether you can/should arrest someone who has at least two outstanding arrest warrants in connection with murder investigations. Sometimes I think Pakistani's have a unique ability to ignore the elephant in the room.
So the government listens to the Court of Justice when it wants to, and just ignores it when it wants to?
This is fantastic. APML rally, and Malik statement. Can we just answer who is directing rally when government is issuing statement of his arrest when he returns? I wonder, the answer is unequal relationship between civil and arms.
The law of the land is more powerful that General (R) Musharraf.
He is a proclaimed offender and wanted in several cases. If Musharraf will not be arrested and not handcuffed, it means that there is no law in the country and courts will become meaningless.
Is it wise to arrest him when he is coming to Pakistan under own will. This implies that he will be willing to face all charges incl killing of Akbar Bughti. I feel sorry for Balochis but not NABughti who exploited money from oil coys and did not anything for ordinary people. Those who support him, should travel across province in public transport. I dare u
So you care Court's decision regarding Mush?
May I know who's the guts to arrest Mr. Musharraf ?? He stayed in Pakistan for some 8 - 9 months even after he'd resigned. What worst did anybody do to him then???