No love lost: Army has no stake in treason trial, says defence aide
Yasin Malik tells NA panel he is unaware if Musharraf had sought army’s help.
Pervez Musharraf. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD:
In a strong rebuff to former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, Defence Secretary Lt General (retd) Asif Yasin Malik said on Tuesday that the army had no stake in the treason indictment of the former president.
Spelling out the military’s stance on Musharraf’s trial, Malik said that the army had no interest in the case.
“Pakistan Army has no connection with the trial of former army chief Pervez Musharraf in the special court,” Malik told the media soon after attending the meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Defence and Defence Production.
The military, according to him, has no interest in the trial. He also pointed out that there are no servicemen present on the judicial panel that heads the special court constituted to try the former president.
The defence secretary said he was unaware that Musharraf had sought army’s help to get himself out of the legal mess.
Last month, during an interview, Musharraf claimed that he had the backing of the country’s powerful army in the case. The military, however, remained silent on the comment made by its former chief.
Commenting on the former military ruler’s health condition, Malik said the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) is considered as one of the best hospitals in the world for cardiac treatment. “The former president [Musharraf] should be satisfied with the treatment he is receiving at the AFIC,” he said.
Musharraf was rushed to the AFIC in Rawalpindi, on his way to the tribunal last week.
Team to visit Waziristan
During the meeting, the head of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Defence and Defence Production, MNA Sheikh Rohail Asghar directed the defence ministry to make necessary arrangements for committee members’ visit to Waziristan Agency. “Defence Secretary Lt General (retd) Asif Yasin will arrange a visit of the committee to Waziristan with consultation of Pakistan Army and the concerned commandant operating in the agency,” Asghar said.
Surveying and mapping
In a move that effectively enables the National Mapping Organisation to assume its role. The NA panel passed the Surveying and Mapping Act, 2013.
However, Dr Shireen Mazari of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf gave her dissent note, voicing her reservation over clause 16 (2) which stated “No classified maps and data shall be allowed to be used by foreign consultants, firms or organisations unless security clearance of Pakistan.”
During the course of the proceedings, Mazari suggested that foreign consultants, firms or organisation shall not be allowed access on classified maps or data.
Major General Zahid Shah, Surveyor General of Pakistan, said the main objective is to introduce the bill to meet the surging security challenges in the country.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 8th, 2014.
In a strong rebuff to former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, Defence Secretary Lt General (retd) Asif Yasin Malik said on Tuesday that the army had no stake in the treason indictment of the former president.
Spelling out the military’s stance on Musharraf’s trial, Malik said that the army had no interest in the case.
“Pakistan Army has no connection with the trial of former army chief Pervez Musharraf in the special court,” Malik told the media soon after attending the meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Defence and Defence Production.
The military, according to him, has no interest in the trial. He also pointed out that there are no servicemen present on the judicial panel that heads the special court constituted to try the former president.
The defence secretary said he was unaware that Musharraf had sought army’s help to get himself out of the legal mess.
Last month, during an interview, Musharraf claimed that he had the backing of the country’s powerful army in the case. The military, however, remained silent on the comment made by its former chief.
Commenting on the former military ruler’s health condition, Malik said the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) is considered as one of the best hospitals in the world for cardiac treatment. “The former president [Musharraf] should be satisfied with the treatment he is receiving at the AFIC,” he said.
Musharraf was rushed to the AFIC in Rawalpindi, on his way to the tribunal last week.
Team to visit Waziristan
During the meeting, the head of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Defence and Defence Production, MNA Sheikh Rohail Asghar directed the defence ministry to make necessary arrangements for committee members’ visit to Waziristan Agency. “Defence Secretary Lt General (retd) Asif Yasin will arrange a visit of the committee to Waziristan with consultation of Pakistan Army and the concerned commandant operating in the agency,” Asghar said.
Surveying and mapping
In a move that effectively enables the National Mapping Organisation to assume its role. The NA panel passed the Surveying and Mapping Act, 2013.
However, Dr Shireen Mazari of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf gave her dissent note, voicing her reservation over clause 16 (2) which stated “No classified maps and data shall be allowed to be used by foreign consultants, firms or organisations unless security clearance of Pakistan.”
During the course of the proceedings, Mazari suggested that foreign consultants, firms or organisation shall not be allowed access on classified maps or data.
Major General Zahid Shah, Surveyor General of Pakistan, said the main objective is to introduce the bill to meet the surging security challenges in the country.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 8th, 2014.