Pakistan

I am a forgiving person: Musharraf

Musharraf reveals he forgave Nawaz and Shahbaz Sharif and has no current vendetta against them.

Express October 06, 2010

Former President Pervez Musharraf, in an interview, revealed that the Sharif brothers had ‘begged’ him to let them go.

While speaking to Kamran Shahid on Frontline (Express News), Musharraf said that he forgave Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif and let them go at the behest of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. The former president said that he did not believe in the politics of vendetta.

He said that he had no personal enmity against the Sharif brothers, and even though they had made a big mistake when his plane was about to crash, he still ‘forgave and forgot’ the episode.

Earlier in another interview, Musharraf revealed that Pakistan had trained underground militant groups to fight in Kashmir, stating Nawaz Sharif’s apathy to the Kashmir issue as one of the reasons for pursuing this strategy.

Responding to this, Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah strongly condemned Musharraf, calling him a traitor who must be tried in court.

COMMENTS (36)

Aftab Kenneth Wilson | 14 years ago | Reply @Saad. So to some extent we are on the same page. Theocratic government or governance is not the solution of our country. The relationship between Him and us is totally personal. The best form of governance is only which our Founding Father Mr. Muhammad Ali Jinnah gave but unfortunately we deviated from it and the rightists who after the demise of our founding father immediately encircled Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan and got passed "Ideology Resolution" and which was later inducted as integral part of 1973 constitution. Now we have multiple Ideologies due to people from different school of thoughts. During my studies to achieve a degree in Theological Studies I went through all books which are considered Most Holy by all who believe in The Name of Most Holy. I am proud of my self that I have Holy Books, Quran, Bible and also the Holy Book of Hindus (Geeta and Ramain). I even went extensively on those books which were there before all these books. The main problem here is though all believe in their Holy Books but no one is ready to follow them in letter and spirit and as such come up with their own interpretations which lead are half educated population towards the road of confusion and frustration. We all believe in Allah in our own sweet way but this must be something very personal and no one must try to impose his own version on the other so savagely. We need to do lot in education sector and character building. The educated classes (if they really are) have now started manipulating from this situation and as such are playing with the sentiments of these half cooked population. Again two more elections and we will see new faces both in lower and upper houses. Yes, last but not least, we need more provinces carved from the present four provinces.

Saad | 14 years ago | Reply @ Aftab KW, very well said indeed. At least 2 full terms for democracy and we will see the results. I wonder how impatient can we be with democracy? We can afford the "boots" for 10 years yet we can't give 10 years to democracy. Sadly enough certian elements of the media are just after this government --- so pesimists. How much pressure do they put on military to take action against the talibs in FATA, and not just making them go from one place to another - from Waziristan to Bajur and then onward to Mohmand??? . Unfortunaitly their Highnesses seems to have equally got their hands and pens both against the government, knowingly or not, but they are doing a lot more damage to democracy. . And again, i hope we won't get the theocrat Sharifs, had enough of their "jaag punjabi jaag" and "ameer-ul-momineen" phenominan.

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Aftab Kenneth Wilson | 14 years ago | Reply @Saad, Here I totally agree with you but what to do with our legal fraternity which want this government to walk on knees. Only one way traffic is being witnessed. People who have been riding two horses at a time and those who are taking advantage from this situation are playing all sorts of dirty tricks which will take us to no where. People here are only waking behind these elements as sheep. Saner elements do want democracy to flourish in our country by not with the saddle in the hands of those who wanted to become "Ameer ul Momineen". which is an insult to this position due to their past records. They are wolfs in the sheep skins. One wonders why that case has not been opened yet which is known as Mehran Bank Scandal in which money was distributed to those who are now out to roll back the whole system. Why was this case not taken as first step towards democracy. Funny type of remarks are pouring out of highest court. Just imagine all cases against the present government are always taken up in Punjab High Courts though we have other courts as well. I personally feel that Bangladesh type of set up can not work in our country due to variety of reasons. All know that in Media we have planted people who are only looking after the interest of their barons and not putting Pakistan first. These houses owe tax money in billions but are not willing to do so due to the stay order from the courts. If two more full terms are allowed or given to democracy, I am sure people will see many new faces with qualified background who will take us out of this whole mess of 63 yrs.

Saad | 14 years ago | Reply @ Aftab KW --- in as much as i might agree with you and say sorry if you feel ofended with my St. Patrickans line, I didn't mean that, just to mention that it's not only one "school" in this country which teaches forgiveness, there are cultures and particulary up in the north which the other folks portray as brutal, yet they aren't rather are quite forgiving people and bears the brutality of these "other folks". . Having said that, KW, I wonder how could you agree and praise this person, the fruit of whose policies, we are having today in the form of all the probelms you just mentioned. His words sounds very sweet to ears, but his deeds are making us ashmed even in the damn Africa. . This government, good or bad, should complete it's 5 years time - as this is for the democracy more, then for the government itself. Their Honorable Justices will be more praised if they focus on the matters pertaining to the common public and the gigantic punjab becoming more fanatic. I'm sure they will be liked more by the people then by "Geo and Jhang" if they take up the case of two brothers of Silakot. And I can only hope that we won't get the therocrat Sharifs again .

Aftab Kenneth Wilson | 14 years ago | Reply @Saad, don't take the way you have while commenting on Patricians. I was only making comments on "Forgiveness" as far as his deeds are concern I totally agree with you. We surely can't forget what happened with Bibi in Karachi and then gruesome murder of her is a total loss. He cobbled with himself MMA was and is still wrong. The problem here is that the country is now caught between devil and the deep sea. All Pillars of the state are at logger heads and lot is going on behind the curtains which is very painful. Only single party and its leadership is on target both by Planted Persons in Media and some Senior Judges want this government to move on their knees. They must be allowed to complete their term. Those who gave extra life to the dictators are not prepared to give even five years to democracy. If democracy is allowed to move smoothly for another two terms, I am sure people will find some good new intelligent persons in both upper and lower houses.

Ghafar Ali | 14 years ago | Reply What wrong of the Sharif brothers was forgiven by this man?? Oh sorry Mush, I have recalled (their sin) that they have made you the army Chief.

MI | 14 years ago | Reply Geo Musharraf.

Saad | 14 years ago | Reply Quite intersting comments here ... like the one from SM saying Altaf got another counterpart in Dramas :-) ... Aftab KW about St. Patrick's ... well, surely we are forgiving people, though not St. Patrikens and that's why we let him say and do what he want. I'm sure if he decideds to land in the north, we won't bath our cities with bood as Karachi was (by the party ruling there, then) when Benazir landed there ... yet we haven't forgoten him bringing and imposing MMA on us - something that the very same people rejected completely in the follwing elections. . I'm not condeming him here and neither am I saying that he did all things wrong, but he did blunders as Zia. If Zia brought "klashankov" to our society, Musharaf broguht Mullah and suciede bombers (which he just admitted giving training to them) and hence completed the good work left by Zia. To say something and to do, is completly different. He may sound patriotic but he did completly opposite when he had the reins. He is not the son of the soil and he was not born on this soil. Having all this, I'm in no way supporting the Sharif brothers who are the "produce" of Zia's garden. . leave us (thoguh not in peace as it's no more there) so we can try to bring this country out of the cursed quagmire which you have pushed us in. PPP may not be the good (admiting I never voted for them), but they are far better for what they are not. Levae us with the secularist PPP and ANP, we will sort our things out but please keep us away from your leagues and Jamat of Muslim and Islam which gives birth to nothing but violence.

aNu | 14 years ago | Reply Geo Mush!!!! Sub Say Pehlay Pakistan

prasad | 14 years ago | Reply His 'ramblings' on the issue of Kashmir as one respondent put it resulted in the deaths of thousands of Kashmiris and other Indian citizens since 1989. Since most Pakistanis have a moral blind spot as far as India is concerned, dont you think the lives of Kashmiri Muslims count for something. Granted that in the past three months 100 civilians have died in protests - that sadly is a small number compared to the thousands who have died in the crossfire between trained militants from across the border and the Indian armed forces. One respondent urged Musharraf to speak in the interests of Pakistan - the interest of Pakistan is not served by infiltrating militants and causing terror in the neighbourhood. Put yourself in our shoes and you will begin to understand the deep sense of anger Indians have begun to experience towards Pakistan since 1989. Mumbai only amplied that anger.

aNu | 14 years ago | Reply All politician of Pakistan turn into anti Mush because they know that youth is with mush!!!

Nadeem | 14 years ago | Reply Long live Musharraf

Danial Aziz | 14 years ago | Reply Musharraf’s statements are baseless and totally removed from reality. It is damaging Pakistan’s image Internationally. The Indian Media smashed Pakistan over former President’s ‘admission’ and asserted that India had always believed terrorism was coming to India from Pakistan. Living in London, that too, in a self-imposed exile and trying to enter popular politics in Pakistan has no shortcuts. It needs a lot of hard work and intellectual maturity to play safe in politics. The mistakes that Musharraf has already made and admitted to cannot be reversed. However, future mistakes can be avoided. Musharraf must not pass any statement which is against interest of Pakistan.

Patriot | 14 years ago | Reply You are the best..... Best wishes

Tahir | 14 years ago | Reply Very well put, Jahanzeb. Exactly my sentiments.

Jahanzeb Awan | 14 years ago | Reply General (R) Pervez Mushrraf could have learnt a thing or two from Mr. Shaukat Aziz (his hand-picked PM). The latter left the scene quietly, after stepping down as PM, and has, thereafter, kept a very low-profile. Gen (R) Pervez Musharraf could have (and should have) done the same thing. However, he remains surrounded by a coterie of advisors who are manipulating him for their own ends. His interviews, over the last three odd days, have only created more hostility and enemies for him throughout the country. Furthermore, his scathing personal attacks on Nawaz Sharif sounded more like someone running for the post of a UC Nazim rather than a statesman. Lastly, his ramblings on the issue of Kashmir should attract heavy penal consequences.

syed nadeem haider | 14 years ago | Reply love u sir..............................................

aNu | 14 years ago | Reply Please come back mush!!!

pakistani | 14 years ago | Reply Good Words Natasha...!

Tehreem Mahmood | 14 years ago | Reply To answer your query Angelos, boss, the point is, he may have done some __ things, (which I am sure he will explain) including the NRO, I mean bring all these so called loyal (real traitors) of Pakistan, was a huge mistake. But he has also done some real good things for Pakistan. Killing Bughti was a relief to many (if he was involved) and Balochistan was developing, what's happening there today? Can you even take a step in Quetta dressed in anything but Shalwar Qameez? Pakhtuns are killing Pakhtuns. In Karachi, everyone is worried why the Pakhtun Muhajir tussle but no one questions whats happening in Quetta? All biases aside, past 9 years are better than the 90's and way better than past 3 years.

Arif | 14 years ago | Reply Musharraf is a straight forward person who always speaks truth, which only a brave person can do. While Sharief brothers are big munafiqs, they do this because they are weak personalities. However they have hired a good number of persons from the media who are engaged to malign Musharraf. It seems Musharraf is winning single handedly only because he speaks truth, and truth eventually prevails.

Ali Mohammad | 14 years ago | Reply But we are not forgiving persons....

Aftab Kenneth Wilson | 14 years ago | Reply Good to note that you remembered all what you saw, heard and practiced during your childhood when you were student at St. Patrick High School, Karachi by forgiving these two begotten sons of Zia Ul Haque who are now asking not less than your head. This is called quality education (Love, forgiveness, sin and reconciliation). Mr. Asif Ali Zardari has also been in St. Patrick College and this is the reason that he is not taking any revenge from their political enemies who almost did away with him when he was in jail due to fabricated cases. Here I am not favoring either Mush or AAZ but facts are facts and educational background speaks loud and clear (Only politicians who are made in Pakistan). Our Punjab province has now become a lynching province this is the reason that now people suggest to carve it into three so that it is properly managed and governed. We in fact need more provinces all over the country if we really are sincere with its soil.

Angelos | 14 years ago | Reply I cant believe after all the........things he did, there are people supporting him! No doubt we are the biggest cause to our own demise!

parvez | 14 years ago | Reply How many times can a man shoot himself ? (in the foot) Before you can call him a man, The answer my friend is, Soooooo many times, That now you can't even call him a man. (apologies to Bob Dylin)

muzamil | 14 years ago | Reply mush you are great we are behind you to get rid of these thives god bless pakistan

Murad Khan | 14 years ago | Reply I keep hearing this CANARD that he sold people. well did he grab those people, put them in a jeep and exchange them for cash at the border. otherwise there has to be a chain and trail of evidence. Either government should make it public and arrest Musharraf or all the big mouths fools should shut up once in for all. kapesh!

ali | 14 years ago | Reply ya plzz, forgive us then......

Irshad Salim | 14 years ago | Reply Good Musharraf interview. We need some one like him to force others to do course correction in Pakistan's murky and deceptive cum dynastic politics

Imran | 14 years ago | Reply Dear friends...it looks like that Musharaf got Sharif brothers fobia. He always speaks against both. Let us see in future what he do. But I think we just remember what he has done with our country specially called US influence, sold people on the name of terrorism and terrorism in our country is only because of him.

Yasser | 14 years ago | Reply I am not sure about Reporting capabilities of our local news channel that why they are not able to highlight a clarification statement which has already been issued by APML that Musharraf statement was distorted by the western media regarding training of Kashmiri Mujahideen, here is APML official stance link text

Rashad Hussain | 14 years ago | Reply In the rubber stamp of Pakistani Polotics, this guy has to be the only one with some clout, i'd actually welcome his return, this is just a media ploy about forgiving and forgetting he's trying to build bridges, he should now make a statement on the Lal Masjid episode, everyone is sympathetic to the Kashmir issue, there is no one that isnt, his agenda should define a pin point plan of deliverables.. he'll win if he does.

sajid | 14 years ago | Reply He is a good man who talks too much and is not deceptive like our politicos. Well Mr Musharaf, I am surprised you did not learn hypocrisy from pervez elahi and company during all those years.

Natasha | 14 years ago | Reply Yes that's exactly why he made those comments a few days back.

Tahir | 14 years ago | Reply Well said SM! :)

SM | 14 years ago | Reply God. Altaf Hussain has a serious competitor with respect to dramatics now.

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