Faisal Shakeel, Reporter for The Express Tribune based in Islamabad, says that Ijaz, following the advice from his counsel, has decided not to travel to Pakistan. However, this does not mean that Ijaz cannot still testify in the Memogate case.
Shakeel says a few options remain, as Ijaz can testify over video conference, or a delegate from the judicial commission can travel to either London or Zurich where they can record his testimony.
Shakeel says this may not have been necessary had the interior ministry included representatives of the army in the security planning for Mansoor Ijaz’s stay in Pakistan from the beginning.
Read Faisal Shakeel’s articles here.
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I expected more from The Tribune. Newspapers are supposed to be impartial and unbiased; however, that is not the case with The Tribune. Mansoor ijaz would have never come to Pakistan, even if he had army protection...and now that we're on that point the army is supposed to protect Pakistan from foreign enemies, not protect foreign nationals, no matter the perceived risk.
Yes. The government did every thing possible to scare him.His testimony should be done through video conference
@romn people like you are confusing the issue,Mawaz sharif will pay the price he started a war between army and government and army has lost,PPP ha stood up against self proclaimed guardian of Pakistan ,their strength and weaknes is exposed , judiciary in their haste ,has been weakens too, govt was right in discouraging this man as his allegations would have been taken as gospel truth by the media and ante zardari politicians befor any body would have any opportunity to prove his innocence
Point is, can any commission(Judicial or Parliamentary) force Ijaz to appear as he is a Foreign National???? I think govt has committed a blunder by scaring him if he was telling a lie(which I think,.he was not. Parliamentary commission has lost It's credibility by participating in tug of war between executive and Judiciary. Moreover, PM Will have to pay the price for giving Provocative statements against Army in Scandal fueled By Nawaz Sharif.. I think in this Tug of war, PPP and army both are losers, whereas, surprisingly, Nawaz Sharif is the Winner in long terms.
Mud sticks,so no wonder government has tried to stop him from making allegations, no case can be decided on one persons verbal evidance and of he os telling the truth then he has to be ready to face difficulties ,AND IN ANY CASE IF ARRESTED HE WOULD HAVE GOT BAIL NEXT DAY BY FRIENDLY SUPREME COURT
Speaking out of intuition, Mansoor Ijaz will testify before the commission tomorrow - in person.