If Musharraf is to be tried for 2007 emergency, try him for coup as well: Altaf

MQM chief says those who hold Musharraf responsible for emergency, want him hanged, are unfair & unjust in demands

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain said on Monday that blaming only former president Pervez Musharraf for enforcing emergency or martial law in the country, while letting others off the hook is tantamount to conspiracy against the state.

In a statement released by his party on Monday, Altaf told members of the Rabita Committee and other party leaders that if cases under Article six are to be initiated against the former president, then instead of just hearing on November 3, 2007, emergency, the trial should also include circumstances surrounding the October 12, 1999 coup.

The MQM chief said that those who hold Musharraf responsible for the emergency, and want to him to be hanged, are unfair and unjust in their demands. He said that the cases against Musharraf are a conspiracy to divert attention from the real issues and problems faced by the country.

Regarding Sunday's congregation in Karachi, Altaf said that 'Sindh two' is a reality, and would come into shape.

He reiterated that the deprived people should be given their rights.

On Friday, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah said the government should also pursue a case against Musharraf for staging a military coup in 1999. “To try Musharraf only for abrogating the Constitution on November 3, 2007, is not enough,” Shah said. “This will ultimately allow the former military chief a safe exit.”