PHOTO: AFP
ISLAMABAD:
As the speculations started arising after Musharraf’s illness on the way to court for hearing, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif rushed to discuss the scenario with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday, reliable sources told The Express Tribune.
Implications of Saudi foreign minister’s visit to Pakistan with regards to the possible intervention in Musharraf’s case was also discussed during the meeting, sources said.
“The meeting took place without any prior schedule, as Khawaja Asif requested to meet the premier to discuss defence related matters,” a source close to the matter said.
However, an official statement issued by the Prime Minister’s House said: “Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and apprised him of the state of electricity production in the country.” Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also holds the portfolio of the water and power ministry.
“The minister also briefed the prime minister about the situation of load shedding and the steps being taken to overcome power crisis,” the statement read.
Sources said that Asif also updated the prime minister regarding former president’s health condition. He told the premier that military board of specialists is of the view that Musharraf is to remain under treatment.
During the meeting the minister briefed the premier of his important meetings with military authorities over issues concerning General (retd) Musharraf that took place last week.
The source quoted the premier as saying “the government will respect every decision of the judiciary and there is nothing superior than the Constitution and the state law.”
At the end of the meeting, the visit of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud alFaisal and its possible implications were also discussed in detail. Sources went on adding that premier has asked defence minister to keep him updated regarding every development in the Musharraf case.
According to media reports, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif ruled out chances that the government will allow Pervez Musharraf to go out of the country. The defence minister said that the government is well aware of the matters concerning Musharraf.
The former military ruler was rushed to hospital on Thursday after suffering a “heart problem” on his way to court in the latest dramatic twist in his treason trial.
Former president had been summoned to the special tribunal in Islamabad after failing to show up for two previous sessions due to security threats against him.
The former president, who was forced from office in 2008 but returned from exile last year, could face the death penalty or life imprisonment, if convicted.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 3rd, 2014.
COMMENTS (12)
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Nawaz Sharif should pardon Musharraf instead of making any deal with Saudis. Musharraf is politically dead and is no danger to Nawaz.
So the PM and the Military have a meeting to conspire to break the law? Forgetting the court order for a moment - one of the reasons that Pakistan has a poor image is the perception that your judicial system doesn't work - allowing someone accused of murder/treason to walk without a trial won't help that image. I might add that this is the same guy you wanted to Interpol to capture and send back to you - wouldn't that have been a big waste of time.
@M.Faisal: Musharraf came to stay as this is country too. Why the govt is forcing him to leave involving in the fake cases after cases and house arrest for almost a year. Let him be a free man. If he wants to leave, stay and come back again leave it to him.
@Ajab Khan Baloch:
It cannot be stopped until an over-haul of the entire system of electing politicians.
mian sahab pose and gesture says it all
It was clear right from the beginning that the present incompetent government will not be able to handle this case. the actual reason is that the government has lost credibility. There are questions on the May 2012 election process as well. now people are comparing Musharraf time, which they find far better than the two successive governments under the so called democracy.
Better to avoid conflicts, let him go. Pakistan has lot more real issues to deal with. Think where we are standing in world and where we should.
The General proved that he is the same as our politicians are, DISGRACEFUL....!
@Nikki: why the same principle does not apply on thousands of ordinary Pakistanis languishing in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and UK jails???
So the lesson is "Stage a coup" dislodge a Elected Government.Rule the Country for few years and then in the end leave the country. This vicious cycle has to stop!.Now
Positive gesture. Humility and flexibility always work and set good example.The best revange is not to take any revange'.