DESIGN: FAIZAN DAWOOD
About a month before his return, former army General (retd) Pervez Musharraf was delivered a formal message from the army, telling him not to return to Pakistan. He ignored the advice, thinking that the institution with which he had spent his life would protect him. It did not happen and now it appears that the army may not take any position in his case.
Army sources confirmed that he was warned of the consequences and dangers he may face, which also include serious threats to his life.
“Yes, the message was communicated to him,” an unimpeachable source disclosed without saying exactly how this message was conveyed.
Musharraf was told about all the groups who could target him. He was also told that his return may put the army in an embarrassing position as he would become the centre of controversies and fingers would be pointed at him and the army alike.
It’s not clear whether the general was also told about his political standing in Pakistan, in case he was under any illusions. For instance, when he addressed a public meeting in Karachi through a video link about a year back he was told by his inner circle that there were some 25,000 people whereas the fact is that it was a poor show.
During his self-exile, differences also emerged within Musharraf’s All Pakistan Muslim League (APML). Some of his supporters left the party, except the late Sher Afghan Niazi and Lt General (retd) Rashid Qureshi.
Despite all this, Musharraf decided to go ahead with his plan and announced the date of his return, a decision which did not sit well with the army.
Another point for Musharraf to note is that the army recently reinstated three generals after their retirement only so that it could court martial them on corruption charges. Will Musharraf share their fate? Indeed, is his arrest the result of his and his aide’s threat to open ‘Pandora’s box’?
The former army chief has perhaps misread the ground situation, thinking the institution he once headed will protect him, not just physically, but also by shielding him from trial. So far the army has not taken any position but has certainly provided full security to him.
This is the first time in Pakistan’s history that a former army chief and president, faced prison and possible trial. He may now become the scapegoat for the events that unfolded from Oct 12, 1999 to 2008.
Beside Musharraf, the Supreme Court in Asghar Khan case had also ordered action against former army chief General (retd) Aslam Baig and former ISI chief Lt. General (retd) Asad Durrani, but no action was initiated by the former PPP government for reasons known only to President Asif Ali Zardari and former premier Raja Pervaiz Ashraf.
It is premature to predict the fate of Musharraf, but he is certainly likely to face a lot of humiliation and embarrassment. Will the establishment for the first time remain silent, letting events take their own course, or will it play a role, if things started rolling too fast or in a direction that is not to its liking?
Published in The Express Tribune, April 19th, 2013.
COMMENTS (25)
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A true leader he has always been. He has been a man of his words and has always done what he has said. If Pakistanis still don't recognise his patriotism and honesty then that is an absolute shame.
Long live Pervez Musharraf.
Much greater significance has been given and being given to the case registered against the former military leader.
Recently refusal of extention in the interim bail already granted by the same court with order to move section 7 of the terrorist act has made the court impatiality a invitation to the general public for debate.
Some concerned quarters,avioding to touch the issue looks compelled to reconsider the matter seriously which would badly effect the case.
National elections are going to heled in the country,election commission's effrts are underway swiftly may also be effected.
@All supporters of Musharraf: Lets step out of our drawing rooms in support of Musharraf and justice. We cant stay mute and let this happen to a great leader.
USA should not do what it did to Shah of Iran. Navy Seal team should act to rescue Musharraf. Never mind he lied to US many times, but he may reveal many truths now if he is rescued.
He's nearing the end of his life - maybe he misses the glory of old - maybe he just misses Pakistan?
bravo sir musharraf, before u were the general of army of pakistan but now u are the general of the peoples of pakistan. once a soldier, always a soldier. really proud of you general sahb, god bless you
As much as I think he deserves respect (and a whole lot of thanks) for giving Pakistan its most progressive era in decades (when we were being shamelessly looted under the banner of 'democracy'), I think it was a given that his return wasn't going to bring in any real change. The judiciary and media were way too busy taking up on personal grudges against him to even allow him to gather any real political support.
Still, even more props to him if he actually came to Pakistan despite explicit advice not to from the army - that takes a lot of guts, unlike PPP/PML-N leaders busy bashing him who don't step foot anywhere without a security guarantee.
His fault is he gave you free media and freedom of speech. You guyz were better off during nawaz and BB era.
Poor Soul trusted the wrong people and institutions... How morally corrupt this country's judicial system and other institutions are...would even sell their mothers for their own self-interest if they have to!... Had they been of any good or loyal..this place wouldn't have grown to be this shitty... May Allah help him!
Perhaps he will get a Presidential pardon from Zardari! Perhaps there will be a new NRO and all cases will be dropped!
Musharraf should be made an example so that no army general dare topple elected governments in the future.
@Tanzeel: It is very easy to get bravery and stupidity mixed up.
No doubt, it is a result of misreading the ground situation, but would have to admitt that he is brave military general.
How do we devise our future as "Naya Pakistan" in such a case, when there is nothing but a "Tit for Tat" situation remains in our country for so long.
Its a Tit for Tat situation. This is the society which we have build in dear homeland. God knows, what else these bunch of ediots have planned more to it.
I do not understand, how can we build a "Naya Pakistan" for such a scenaio, and more specifically, what that "Naya" will be and from whom????
Will Musharaf be sent out to Saudi Arab as was done in case of Nawaz Sharif??
There will be more sympathy in public minds on his formal arrest ( if takes place). but since he is already denied to contest in the election presently he is left with not much role in politics.
Date: 18th April 2013 Place: Islamabad High Court Time: Not sure - This was indeed an opportune moment for the General to earn a place in history by adhering to the court order and surrendering himself before the court. His stature would have grown tall. The General would have earned high esteem.
After dismissal of his bail, the act of leaving court was not in accordance with law. No attempt to arrest by police does not exempt the accused from the court order. The court did not state that because no police is arresting you, you may leave the court. It was not the look out of the defendant or his counsel. The defendant has no choice but to abide by the court ruling.
Placing oneself at the mercy of the court was an option which his legal counsel also missed out. This act would have elevated his position morally as a law abiding citizen of Pakistan. In all probability the court might have ordered his detention at his farm house.
The law stipulates superior class in jail if you are an income-tax payee and accustomerd to superior mode of living. Even if the General has not paid any tax he is certainly accustomed to superior mode of living. So the General ending up in jail was a remote possibility.
What good is counsel if the defendant is swept by the law?
It was only his decision to leave the court in defiance that gave an undesirable twist to the matter. The alleged statement of his counsel that the general is sipping coffee and enjoying a cigar pronounced the defiance and added injury to the stature of the court. The statement lacked wisdom and mocking the court was not an option at all.
There is a big question on the quality of legal advice the General is getting. There is indeed much room for improvement.
Brave man will face the challenges alone,since all goodies left him in wilderness
should not have trust facebook supporters.
It also shows that he cares only for himself and not others near and dear to him. A rash act can also prove to be foolish. Salams
Hence its clear that he came with no garauntee. Bravo. More respect for commondo now.
Lets start from Asghar Khan case, take a look at supreme court attack and then trial Mushraff for his crimes.
Ignoring warnings / advices and coming back to his homeland keeping all risks in mind proves Musharraf’s bravery and patriotism towards this thankless nation.