Musharraf expressed his willingness to testify before a Supreme Court-appointed commission to probe into the controversial Lal Masjid operation. PHOTO: AFP/ FILE
Former president Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf on Sunday unveiled a plan to contest elections from constituencies in all four provinces, including Dera Bugti in Balochistan.
Musharraf, who heads the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML), said that he has been offered an opportunity to fight elections even from Dera Bugti.
Dera Bugti is the hometown of the late Baloch chieftain Nawab Akbar Bugti, who was killed in an August 2006 operation. Years later, Musharraf was nominated by the slain chieftain’s heirs in the murder case.
Speaking on the Express News talk show Takrar, the former president expressed his willingness to testify before a Supreme Court-appointed commission to probe into the controversial Lal Masjid operation. “I will appear before it and will not let my ego stand in the way,” he said.
Declared a proclaimed offender by the Supreme Court with orders to be arrested whenever found, Musharraf said that he had not yet decided about the final date of his return to Pakistan. But he said he would “come back before the forthcoming general elections.”
He also said that he would contest the elections from constituencies in all the four provinces. “I will contest elections from Chitral in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa,” he said.
Qadri connection
Musharraf disclosed that Minhajul Quran International chief Dr Tahirul Qadri had contacted him before embarking on a long march through the federal capital. Once the long march was over, Musharraf said he had also congratulated Dr Qadri on its success.
The APML chief refuted claims that there were contacts between him and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan, though he admitted that the two had some common friends. According to Musharraf, Imran should have taken part in the long march.
Referring to relations between Pakistan and India, he said that some Indian politicians and some elements in the Indian army do not favour peace with Pakistan and keep creating obstacles in the peace process.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 21st, 2013.
COMMENTS (66)
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Mushraaf must return as soon as possible and set te recr straight with his cani remarks. He has one lot of good for the country. People remember with fondness, and want him to come back. He must decide this issue of returning home. People are sick of crisis plaguing them.
They remember his days an curse the present corrupt rulers. Pakistan comes First, then anything else.
General come back, hurry the ship issinking fast.
Musharraf's gift to India- Kargil backstabbing Musharraf's gift to Pakistan- Kargil lies- see the following link:
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/columns/06-Jan-2013/putting-our-children-in-line-of-fire
And you still want him back.
Ever since August 2008, when he was thrown out of Pakistan, the runaway dictator has been giving false dates of his return to Pakistan. But he could NEVER DARE to actually come to Pakistan during these 4.5 years
@LIAQAT ALI: Kindly explain the accounting gimmicks. The figures for industrial production, no. of jobs created and no. of new companies started in Pakistan between 1999 and 2007 are publicly available for anyone who wants to do honest research and not just make wild unsubstantiated statements. Reports of international institutions like WB, ADB, JP Morgan etc praising Pakistan's progress in that era are also available. So are the much improved credit ratings of Pakistan's sovereign debt in that era by S&P and Moody's. All these are not accounting gimmicks unless your source of info are people like Ishaq Dar, Prof. Khurshid Ahmed or Yusuf Raza Gilani vs. reputable international institutions.
As for NRO, kindly remember that its the people of Pakistan that vote for PPP and PML-N, which is why Musharraf is forced to offer them NRO or Jeddah exit deals.
As far as Kargil is concerned, please refer to comments of Gen. Ziauddin (Nawaz Sharif's handpicked ISI chief and COAS nominee) in Shuja Nawaz's book, "Crossed Swords". He admits that Sharif was aware of the operation. I bet Sharif would've been first and foremost in claiming credit for it had it succeeded.
Actually it is top brass in Pakistani military that plans & executes mischievous events that tend to derail the Indo-Pak peace process. Why? The reason is very simple. Even when the civilians are in power they are mere puppets in the hands of the real puppeteers, the Generals in khaki. If there is peace between us, both countries will cut the number of soldiers as their very 'raison d'etre' will vanish & military expenditure would go down which would directly affect their ill-gotten 'prosperity'. That is why, events like Kargil misadventure, Mumbai massacre & beheading an Indian soldier happen as if 'on cue'. Indian govt has fallen a prey till now to these mischiefs bringing 'knowing' smiles on faces of these generals. All these actions are initiated by Khaki, executed by their 'hand-maidens' but routinely denied by them (Armed Forces). The civilian government has to agree lest they are called 'traitors' through the Goebbelian PR machinery of the Armed Forces ! It is time Indian govt sees through these planned provocations by COAS & tells the Civil Govt that they are with them & they better put a noose around these mischievous generals. So Musharraf, the great chameleon, will surely put on a great foxy act. Pakistanis should beware of such tricksters.
@Raj - USA: What lies and deceit?, so many lies have been told by the crooked politicians about P Musharraf in the last 5 years through the media, obviously some people will believe them.Not thrown out of the country, self imposed exile since mid 2009, false allegations cases have been created to prevent him from staging a comeback, general kiyani at the time being seems to be on Zardari's side, has to thank Zardari for extending his chief of army tenure.
Best thing that happened to Pakistan after the Quaid himself. Pakistan had respect in this world when he was leader & now Pakistan is just a joke.
I blame Musharraf for the 5 years of ills. Why did he draft an NRO with the most corrupt politicians in Pakistan ? He needs to answer that question before he is even allowed to enter Pakistan, let alone contest an election.
General Mushraar has once again announced that he will return before elections. As a politician if he says something he should stick to it. Either you are in politics or you are not. You have to be determined and show some strength. I know he is dying to come back , but is reluctant to come back due to certain obvious reasons. those reasonswill not just go away. He has to face the realities.
He is a trained cammando, what is he afraid off. They can not just arrest him and keep him behind the BARs. They will have to tryhim on some real charges. Judiciary is independent, he should not worry about Ch. Iftikhar. He will recuse himself and not hear the case. Their are 1 other judges present there.
The people of Pakistan are sick of these politicians. They want some one with the proven record, who can standup for them and take some tough decisions. They make comparison with your period in power and the last five years ruin. The prices of commodities are out of the reach of the masses. Pakistan isfacing an enemy who is bent upon nmischief in the region. We are facing turmoil and threat of CivilWar. I think the present conditionswould suit him the best. He should make haste. General do not miss the train. the time of action has come. Make it good on your promise this time. Pakistan is waiting for your return.
Sincerely, JAVAID BASHIR ATTORNEY AT LAW NASHUA< NH< USA
@shehar bano razvi: ET is not prepared to publish my comments on Musharaf; We exist simply proves that we are born free and are able to express our opinion. However, there are always those who try to suppress others opnions and this occurs in all parts of the world. Just recall where Julian Assange is and how come that the third biggest employer in USA is the Prison estabishment?
Rex Minor
@poleturtle
"Firstly he should be tried by the Military for abusing the constitution of the country, for breaking his oath taken on his commission and for treason.
Secondly he should be tried for waging an unnecessary, unplanned and senseless war in Kargil without the permission of the civil government in power and thereby being solely responsible for the death of hundreds of innocent soldiers.
Thirdly he should be tried for selling the country and its armed forces to USA.
Fourthly he should be tried for helping Al Qaeda, Taliban, Jehadists, Terrorists, killers by allowing them to function freely in the country, including fund raising, recruiting, training and weaponizing. Also for patronizing the Swati Talibans and the Lal Masjid terrorists.
Fifthly he should be tried for the murder of hundreds of people in Karachi in 2006 to 2008.
Is there justice in this country? Is there anyone who fears God and God alone??"
You neglected to add the fact that he sold out the Afghan Taliban and handed Mullah Abdul Salam Zaeef and others to US authorities and he knew that OBL was living in Abbotabad.
Musharraf is a true democratic personality.He gave us freedom of speech and try to provide good governance.He taught us to think as a NATION not as individual.What ever he take action or start any project ,it wasn't for one city, province, cast, tribe or political party.He done his best for Pakistan............................ and hope Pakistani people think as a Nation as well.
@youth lahore: You have to give reasons for your hatred
Musharraf is the greatest leader Pakistan has ever Produced.He has proved himself and does not have to re-invent the wheel to save our county .He did that before in 1999 when Nawaz almost bankrupted the country and will again clean the mess of Zardari
What I would like him to not let Mr Zardari and Mr. Nawaz run away this time and should try them in court on charges of tax evasion ,corruption and for the massive neglect on law and order situation which resulted in killing of thousands
I also think that Musharraf is the right person to carry the message of Mr Qadri who should certainly join hands with him in the best interests of the nation Musharraf Zindabad
He's got cajones that's for sure.
ONLY MUSHARRAF CAN CONTROL OUR COUNTRY,S BAD CONDITION, BECAUSE HE HAS POLITICAL BRAIN AND ARMY BRAIN , HE DID SO MANY THINGS GOOD FOR PAKISTAN AND FOR PEOPLE OF PAKISTAN , AND WHAT HE DECIDED FOR LAL MASJID THAT WAS NOT WRONG AT ALL , HE IS THE BEST LEADER FOR PAKISTAN .
@ishtiaer hussain: Similar writeup with some spins can be written for Ziaul Haq as well and paint it as Golden era!
Though I dislike him for his lies and deceit, I like him for one quality. He has been taking up the cause of Pakistan even after he was thrown out of the country. To this extent, he is patriotic.
@poleturtle: He should be tried for patronizing the Swati Taliban and antagonizing the Lal masjd terrorists????
What on earth do you mean? are you not ok in the head?
A lot of wishful thinking, isn't it?.It's a pitty he can't come back and enjoy playing some golf;after all he deserves that at least. I am really touched.
we are against u Musharaf
@ishtiaer hussain: only in the first half, the next half was dominated by idiocity and rash military actions
This guy is a joke, what he did to the Baluch people by saying that they won't know what hit them. Let him come first, face the law, and then run for the elections if has the gal to do so, oh yeah, I forgot he is the commando and Army uniform is his next skin.
@ishtiaer hussain: The writer forgot to NRO -- the stab in Pakistan's heart -- that brought back the Plunder Pakistan Party (PPP) to power. Was BB an angel? Thanks to Gen Musharaf, Zardari is in saddle and speedily advancing the destruction of Pakistan launched by ZAB, and advanced by BB.
he is doing Job of So called Political Leaders and Govt job Cause he is true Soldier and soldier is always soldier doesn't need any gun or status to serve his country :)
Iishtiaer hussain: Our nation has become ignorant they're blind they don't see facts during Musharraf regime & now we're realizing how strong the dollar was as compare to now. Pakistan was growing fast at time of Gen. Musharraf
Dear Pakistanis, Amidst all this: returning dictators who gave blanket amnesties to the current government, and political dynasties, we are a very very fortunate nation that we have Imran Khan contesting the elections. No other South Asian country has been able to emerge from decrepit, corrupt dynasties and lines of politicians. We have the opportunity to have this country be led by an honest, intelligent, and competent Pakistani, who is seeking to revamp the entire system of democracy. He is responsive, accessible, and thoroughly believes in democracy on every tier of governance from intra-party elections to cleaning up his own party...not just in elections. If even then, Pakistanis are blind enough to follow Musharraf or PPP or PML-N or any of these old setups that have driven the country into the ground...it would be really sad indeed. Sincerely, Concerned Pakistani and good Samaritan
HE WILL BE BACK! JUDGEMENT DAY!
(cue T2 theme song)
Author "he said that some Indian politicians and some elements in the Indian army do not favour peace with Pakistan and keep creating obstacles in the peace process."
Musharraf knows no politician in Pakistan can win elections being pro Indian. Army can't have half of Pakistani budget and rule Pakistan without being anti Indian. This border clashes are meant to show that.
These politicians have brought Pakistan to what it is today and people still want to vote for them.
@M. A. Changezi: Contest election from Dera Bugti? This guy is insane.
This guys know ballot boxes can be replaced and he can win.....
For security and safety, he can rent seven star "Shahadat Proof Container" from Qadri but real problem is SC. How he will save himself from SC?
Kargil, Lal Masjid, Bugti, agreement on war on terror and its repercussions pakistan taliban - who is responsible????
When this all powerful Army General + President + Chief of PML Q who picked his own 3 presidents, finance ministers and foreign ministers couldnt bring positive change in country after ruling it for 9 yrs what will he do when he wins few seats now.
@citizen:
Well Mr. citizen, if you had a family member who had actually fought in Kargil, your statement would have been different.
@ishtiaer hussain:
Laal Masjid, NRO, Suicide attacks, Drone attacks, Judicial crisis, Energy crisis, Unrest of Tribal Areas/FATA, Triggering of the Baluchistan Issue. What are you talking about?
Musharraf is the best leader Pakistan ever had.
I guess he is counting on the support of the Kalpar branch of the Bugti tribe in dera bugti. They were exiled by Nawab Akbar Bugti and returned under Army's protection to Dera Bugti after the operation was launched.
I bet with anyone, if Musharraf wins the next general elections, the KSE will double within 10 minutes.
@ LIAQAT ALI
Don't speak without knowing full truth about kargil. It was a big success untill nawaz sharif went and signed a deal
Bravo! True hero of Pakistan if there ever was one after Jinnah! A guy who gave my generation hope for a better life in Pakistan, a hope that wasn't present before him & has quickly diminished after he left.
@Istiaer hussain. Despite the achievements of General Musharraf (R) on the socioeconomic front and pro poor people economic policies the people will not vote for him!
The writer failed to mention as to when did the Supreme Court declare him proclaimed offender and in which case it ordered to be arrested whenever found. He is clearly and visibly found in Dubai and London.
The IM had already declared that the General shall be immediately arrested on reaching Pakistan on murder charges of Bugti and BB. He has made the statement of his return just to see the govt's reaction at home.
Firstly he should be tried by the Military for abusing the constitution of the country, for breaking his oath taken on his commission and for treason.
Secondly he should be tried for waging an unnecessary, unplanned and senseless war in Kargil without the permission of the civil government in power and thereby being solely responsible for the death of hundreds of innocent soldiers.
Thirdly he should be tried for selling the country and its armed forces to USA.
Fourthly he should be tried for helping Al Qaeda, Taliban, Jehadists, Terrorists, killers by allowing them to function freely in the country, including fund raising, recruiting, training and weaponizing. Also for patronizing the Swati Talibans and the Lal Masjid terrorists.
Fifthly he should be tried for the murder of hundreds of people in Karachi in 2006 to 2008.
Is there justice in this country? Is there anyone who fears God and God alone??
Good. Can you smell what the rock is cooking
60% Pakistanis are poor and in need of basic services from the government. These 60% do not care if they live under democracy or dictatorship as long as they are safe from terrorism, poverty and energy shortages. Pakistanis will welcome the kind of dictatorship of Musharaf rather than the worst ever current democratic government. Musharaf rocks!
Come back Sir . we need you
Remember as per law ( He introduce him self in LOF ) it's requirement for candidate to submit nomination paper to returning officer of same area where he want to contest . Good look to Mushraf .
shame shame musharaf
Funny
Had his old Election Commission been around, Gen Musharraf could get 99% of the votes in Dera Bugti too. He did during the referendum, didn't he.
I think he is about to lose his state of hubris.
he knew what govt is thinking "never elections" so he will never come
I admire his humor.
commando action
I am 100 % sure, he will win Election from Dera Bugti. Hundreds of thousand of Angels will come to vote for him.
Regards KHATTAK
Come back!!! We need you!
He is free to contest from any part of Pakistan, as is his right. He must first return home and answer to all charges against him specially regarding NRO, for which the nation may never forgive him.
Wish him all the success in the upcoming elections!!
He will not come back!
He will not come back until Ch. Iftikhar is the CJ.
Economic growth averaging 7 percent.........job creation running into millions........deregulation of banking and telecom sectors leading to billions of dollars of investments........mega infrastructure projects throughout the country (Gazi Barotha power project, Pindi-Bhatian-Faisalabad motorway, Peshawar-Islamabad motorway, Mirani dam, Kachi cannal, Gawadar port, Gawadar-Karachi coastal highway, Gawadar-Ratto-Dero highway, Sadparra dam, Gomal Zam dam and many more).......saying goodbye to IMF for the first time in Pakistan's history.......massive investments in higher education and sending thousands of scholars on merit to foreign countries for Ph.Ds..............freedom of media and establishment of hundreds of TV channels..........Internet and telecommunication revolution..............poverty rate halving from 34% to 17% (this figure is calculated not by some Pakistani bureaucrats babus but by World Bank).................NADRA (computerized ID cards and machine readable passports), NAB, police reforms for the first time in the history of Pakistan and local government systm............Better relations with the US, India, China and other countries....and the list goes on. What do we want more? Can we compare the present government with General's dictatorship?
I pray that you come back soon ! Pak needs you ! We are an ignorant nation, who realize the worth of things and people only after they are gone !
Isnt that a form of deliberate provocation.
Contest election from Dera Bugti? This guy is insane.