Musharraf will address retired army officers for the first time after his retirement. PHOTO: REUTERS
LAHORE ': Though Pervez Musharraf may have sought reprieve from a court appearance on account of nine different ailments, it has not stopped him from addressing retired army officers, albeit via a recorded message, Express News reported.
It was announced on Friday that the former president will address retired army officers on Saturday at 3 pm.
The address will comprise a recorded message from Musharraf. It is expected that over 200 retired army officers will be turning out for the event.
According to General Rashid Qureshi, Musharraf is not well enough for a live address, hence a pre-recorded message will be broadcast.
It is expected that Musharraf will also speak about the cases against him.
Earlier on Friday, Musharraf's official Facebook page announced that a 'peaceful protest' is being organised outside Karachi Press Club also for Saturday.
COMMENTS (80)
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@Patriot: Looks like you used some offensive language Mr. Patriot. How about rewording some of your language. I am sure you a intelligent enough to play with words. I am looking forward to your responses.
@Sandip: The funniest part is that the humiliation of ex Chief of Pakistan Army, in the name of "Ghaddari” is being enjoyed equally by the Indian Hindus and Pakistani politicians and judges. Should we, the general public take it that Pakistan Army Chief Musharraf booted Indian Hindus, Pakistani politicians and judges equally?
@ET It's been quite a while since I posted my replies to what Mr Sandip had to say, but I still can't see them here. There was nothing objectionable or 'below the belt', but I guess you thought it could have offended your Indian readers. Anyway, let the Indians feel good about something.
@Patriot: Doesn't look like the acumen is there to talk rocket science either for someone who cannot differentiate difference between loyalty to commander vs loyalty to country.
@Patriot: What tradition are you talking of? One that butchers innocent people (as in Bangladesh in 1971 and in Balochistan now)? Or one that uses other people's innocent children as cannon fodder for a war that it must be fighting (as in using proxies against India and Afghanistan)? Or one where the leaders sit counting real estate instead of actually fighting like a professional soldier. I am sorry dear but not much of a tradition to speak of.
@Assad: Well you can spin it anyway you want to, but the fact remains that your "brave" commander was not so brave when it came to accepting the men who fought under his command. He kind of chickened out for fear of his game plan getting ousted. Also if he was as smart as you try to make him out to be, how come he was found singing his tune with Aziz without an inkling that he was being recorded? It's good to be patriotic, but its foolish to close ones eyes to reality.
@Patriot: Did it ever occur to you that he was merely playing you guys up so more and more of you would come out with similar stories thus exposing the lies that were peddled by your brave General? Well, going by how you embraced his comments, looks like the Indian general outsmarted you once more.
@Mirza: I really like the comment you made. The logic makes a lot of sense, but only in American circumstances. Pakistan's problems are quite unique & complicated; hence the solutions have to be different. We can't apply theory of universalism and try to solve our problems by American, British or even Indian formulas. One of the main reasons is that our social fibre is very different from USA, UK or other parts of the world. This complex social fibre leads to complex problems, which require out-of-the-box solutions. What that ex-US Marine told you was relevant only in American circumstances. Trying to apply Western norms in our part of the world can be like trying to plant a Mango tree in the deserts of Sahara.
@ shan If you think that Musharraf was a messiah against so-called corrupt system then what did he do to remove corruption? He made NAB in 1999 (already working as Ehtesab Bureau) and misused it to purchase the loyalties of corrupt people like Aftab Sherpao & Faisal Saleh Hayat whom he inducted as Ministers as his cabinet. The King's Party ie, PMLQ was full of NAB-zadas who were swearing their loyalty to Musharraf in return for withdrawal of their cases. A large number of his cronies were allowed to contest elections of bogus degrees (eg, Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Abda Hussain, Sumaira Malik etc) but nobody could dare point finger during his dictatorship. He deliberately led the energy crisis aggravate to make justification for LNG Scam since August2003 and Rental Power Scams since July2006. He tried to dole out Pakistan Steel Mills at less than 1/4th the price of its assets but was intercepted by the Supreme Court. Can you ever imagine that a retired General (ie, Grade22 Officer) can have net worth of More than Rs 3.5 Billion (including expensive luxury Apartment in central London and Million Dollar FCY accounts in UNB Bank UAE) upon retirement? Please stop being selective about your definition of corruption, honesty and rule of law!! Long Live Pakistan!
@Mirza: Did they have Sharif and Zardari type politicians, who purchased castle in France, UK, Dubai and installed steel mills and sugar mills in Saudia and India with the money received from kick backs? Did their PM ever hijacked plan carrying their serving Army Cheif and attempted to make it land in enemy terrotory? Did their PM or President invited people to open Foreign Currency Account and then grabbed those by freezing the accounts? Did their PM ask people to donate for "Qarz Utaro Mulk Sawanro" and thereafetr never gave any account of those donations? They say "Chaor ka Gawah Girrah Kat", you are with these 80 % frauds degree politicians, who have grabbed power by fraudulent sale puchase of votes and constituencies, humiliating clause 62 & 63 of your beloved Constitution and have acheived the title of "Most Corrupt Nation" of the world. Then you are right in humiliating Musharraf as he brougt Pakistan to 6th most Progressing Economies of the World.
Well... I almost went through all the comments... Some are in favour of the General.. And some are of the view that the General violated rules... I read in one of the comments,, that he over threw an elected govt... Which shows that he didnt respect the democracy and those who voted for it.. First.... That so called elected democracy isn't democracy.... These peoples are not working for the people...they don't come in power to work for the people but to protect their own benefits.. If you call Musharraf a ruler or you try to drag him in a court for treason... Because he refused to do what these corrupt people were doing to this country...... Then I am every bit a ghaadar to this system.... To this elected govt.. These corrupt politicians ...because then I think every Pakistani should be tried in court.... Because thats what an honest Pakistani would have done,no matter what the constitution says..... ...
@Rex Minor: With reference to your views on level of education among ranks (in Armed Forces): Earlier in the day, visited another family and we were 4 officers there. One was PhD in Nanotechnology, second PhD in Control Engg, third Masters in War Sciences and currently doing MS Project Management, and myself Masters in War Sciences and MBA. And I intend doing PhD whenever possible. Trust me, officers in Armed Forces aren't that uneducated. And 3 of the lady wives present there were practicing doctors with specialization in different fields.
@patriot what a brave commando taking refuge like a criminal.wh has given army the right to over through the elected gov
I hope people do not take this the wrong way. It is up to the Pakistani court to decide whether he is guilty or not, its none of my business. But the way the government is handling this trial its a complete joke, its a complete joke!
@Mirza:
This is the usual music in democracies, including I guess in Pakistan as well? But the level of education among the ranks is not always ensures full compliance.
Rex Minor
@Rex Minor: Just curious to know your opinion of Gen Zia, Godfather of the incumbent?
@Break-the-walls:
All military Generals are brave as well as generous when they play with the lives of the soldiers they command, but only few survive the test when they are on their own. Mr Parvez Musharaf is the extreme case who fears accountability and justice from the constitution of Pakistan!! Is he not the one who signed on the drone operation in Pakistan territory and initiated military operations in the autonomous tribal region to enforce Pakistan constitution?
Rex Minor
ET, your HEADLINE is quite MISLEADING! It should have been "Musharraf to address retired army officers for the first time after retirement". Please don't forget that then serving General Musharraf had once called the retired army officers as spent cartridges. What you sow so shall you reap!
@ Chanpir The correct slogan is: Musharraf Zinda Bhag ! This is under the prevailing context.
@Patriot: I am captivated by your command on English language.
Strange; Musharraf could not attend his own court case because of ill health but is well enough to address army officers on Saturday. Clear case of contempt of court.
An ex-marine told me that in the US we take oath to protect the constitution and that is why there cannot be a military coup. In his words if a general tells me to arrest Obama or any high elected official I would have to arrest the general no question about it. "I am faithful to my govt and constitution not to my military official, I would obey all his lawful order only" he told me in no uncertain terms. He laughs at the attitude of Pakistanis toward their own constitution. That is why nobody in the US knows or cares who is their military chief because it is the elected president and all are under his command. One political statement by a general and he is fired no question asked. If there is no constitution nothing would bind the states and provinces.
@Patriot: And who makes the decision that it now time to stop giving your loyalty to the Constitution of Pakistan, and shift your loyalty to what you call 'Pakistan'? You make that decision one fine morning based on what, the price of onions? Perhaps 'Pakistan' is a code word in the army for the COAS.
@mrs ahmed: You are the kind of person who understands straight language. Mr Parvez Musharaf was trained as a military commando to kill, but then be it as it transpired he became the chief having no one to control him, which resulted in his playing roughshod on every institution the country and causing the death of many enroute, until George W ordered him stop and leave Pakistan. He is back now.
Rex Minor
Even General V K Singh admitted Musharraf was brave.He praised Mr.Musharraf for crossing Loc.All of Musharraf haters go get a life.Musharraf is a lion of Pak Army.Dont be jealous dude.May God bless him.Ameen
Even General V K Singh admitted Musharraf was brave.He praised Mr.Musharraf for crossing Loc.All of Musharraf haters go get a life.Musharraf is a lion of Pak Army.Dont be jealous dude.May God bless him.
@Hashmi: Have you any idea what the term 'sir' or the 'commando' me an? Let me explain, the one who kneels in front of the King or Queen of England and swlegance. The command is the one who is trained to be the 'killer' ! All those in Pakistan milirtary who have completed their commando training are qualified killers. It is neither a privileage nor has any special benefits but the National duty for a head of the civilian government to exercise ct ommand control on the use of military l as a last resort against the enemy when all diplomatic and mediation efforts fail and National security is at stake.
In other words while in ancient times the army commander was also the ruler of the land, in developed democracies the military can no longer willy nilly start the invasion of another land in the Napoleon style. Your Sir Commando took this liberty more than once and at the end, he ended up as a non military commando and a non politician. He is no longer the commando nor is suitable for a political role in the country.
Rex Minor
what has Musharraf done that he should be tried , i really dont understand , not a single rupee corruption , after a long time we had such an honest leader , ALLAH be with him
Oh God please save us from this Constitution and Demon-cracy, and save Sir Gen. Musharraf also.
True greatness.
Gen M according to the case against him, abrogated the constitution and declared emergency on 07 Nov 2007...the constitution which was amended, ratified and legalized by same PCO judges including Mr Iftekhar Choudhury in 1999...than what wrong did he do ? the biggest wrong G M did was in 1999 when he kicked out an elected civilian govt, abrogated constitution and declared emergency, then why he & those who supported him, should not be tried also ?
@marcos: Get well soon!
@patriot and other army men shame on you.!!!!!!!!!!! apolize to the people, if any shame left in you.
Musharaff isn't the only one who should be in the dock. What about those crooked politicians who made billions after coming into power, the Sharifs and the Bhutto / Zardaris for instance. To me that's worse than declaring emergency rule for 40 odd days. I'm sure if the question was put to the public of Pakistan, would you like those 45 days of emergency rule undone, or the $5 billions returned to the nations coffers by the above two, the answer would be rather lopsided. The Sharifs and his partners in crime charging Musharaff for treason would be laughable if it wasn't so unbelievably illogical; what about stopping a plane full of innocent Pakistani citizens from landing and nearly causing it to crash - just to get at one man on that flight? What about turning a scrap business into a multi-billion empire? And where did their Mummy dear acquire the city sized Raiwand Palace to gift to her sons? Was that the best excuse they could come up - I thought they had brilliant minds around them as well as think tanks. Well, keep it up, and these brilliant minds WILL have to think tanks. Keep listening carefully, they might just hear a distant rumble coming somewhere from the general direction of the GHQ. Or are they expecting to do the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result this time? So said by a clever man named Albert Einstien. He seemed to know a thing or two about laws of nature, but maybe not enough about OUR human nature.
Can anyone tell me what this democracy and the so called independent judiciary has given us?
Pervez Musharraf the way you are facing corrupt politicians,Kangroo Courts, Hostile Media ,It's Great and Admirable. Great Musharraf Great
Brave general we are with you. This lootocracy is sucking us. We need you at this very critical time. You saved Pakistan in 1999 and we hope you will save Pakistan once again.
@Nauman Khan. Democracy is slow and evolving process. Army has ruled this country for 36 years. The mess of taliban and terrorism today is due to dictators. Our public has become mature enough, they rejected PPP on performance and didnt fall into emotional lure this time. They are watching PMLN closely now, if they dont perform, they will give someone else a chance. At the end of the day, What difference pak. and india have? Are their politicians lesser corrupt? No sir, they have democracy and constantly changing regimes, with army protecting its borders only
Folks oaths are also taken by politicians, army officers and govt officials! see below an extract from 'The Lahore Times':
"Justice Yasmin Abbasi (Rtd) during a talk-show on December 26, 2013 disclosed that the court order of November 3, 2013 showing the names of seven judges of Supreme Court (SC) overturning the Proclamation of Emergency (POE) of November 3, 2013 has never existed in the court record according to the registrar of Sind High Court (SHC). This news has shocked the listeners as the case against Pervez Musharraf under Article 6 is mainly supported by this supreme court order ( allegedly forged ) which was to restrain the enforcement of the POE by the government. Justice Abbasi further stated that on November 3, 2007 subsequent to the declaration of the POE only four judges out of seven whose names were cited on the restraining order were in Islamabad and the order was allegedly issued by CJ (Rtd.) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry from his home without seven judges bench in attendance. Justice Abbasi further added that since there was a reference to SHC in the order, she sent a letter to the registrar of SHC and requested a copy of such SC order. To her surprise, the registrar under the instruction of Chief justice of SHC replied to her that there was no such order registered in the record of SHC."
musharaf sahif we are all with you we alwayas pray with you .we love with yp\ou
@Imran Khan: Feudal Army? You seem disconnected with reality. Loyalty to Pakistan means 'Loyalty to Pakistan'. I didn't talk rocket science.
@Rex Minor: Don't judge me on the basis of just one comment; I don't need to prove my bravery here on ET. Besides, I was referring to the protest at Press Club that I'd have joined had I retired.
It is pathetic to see understanding of armymen regarding constitutional supremacy. You are working and being paid under this very constitution Mr patriot. What do you mean by loyalty to Pakistan??? To squeeze the people at your own expense. while more than 50 percent population is languishing in poverty our feudal army is enjoying one of the best living and full time leisure.
@Uza Syed:r
Where were you when your great General President that you call him, when he was stinding in the USA congress, declaring his loyalty to defend the United States of America. He should normaly have been arrested on return to Pakistan and court mrshalled. But his co-conspirators welcomed him to save them from the wrath of George W. The task of the military is to receive orders from the civilian political lleaders to defend the country and not to negotiate surrender with the potential enemy withoucracy.t a battle. The military man is not taught such tasks in a democracy.
Rex Minor
@Kaleem:
Mr Parvez Musharaf insists on exposing his close collaboarators in his treason trial but most seniors are probably now retired. He is fully confident that once he appears in the court, no one other than the head of state could save him from gallows.
@Patriot: His recorded speech is not exclusively meant for retired officers. Be a brave officer and show your hnd for your brave General?
Rex Minor
We pray that General Musharraf will remain safe by the grace of Almighty Allah. he did not do anything bad i his tenure as COAS and President. He did not have a choice terrorists pushed him to do certain action which were not constitutional but were taken to save Pakistan.
@Sandip: I can understand your agony as Musharraf was the only great leader of Pakistan who use to slap you sitting in your home.. He is a true representative of Pakistan.
even indian general praised ex COAS praised..Gen VK Singh praises Musharraf for Kargil Former Army Chief General VK Singh said former Pakistan military ruler Gen Pervez Musharraf showed the courage of a military commander by coming deep into Indian territory in Kargil in 1999......http://indiatoday.intoday.in/video/kargil-war-pakistan-army-pervez-musharraf-gen-vk-singh/1/248621.html....Indian want to take revenge through Nawas shareef
@Patriot and other brave soldiers: I expected and hoped what you had to say about Musharraf. I was a proud Pakistani when Musharraf was leading Pakistan and I am thankful to Allah that I am able to give up my Pakistani passport soon. This is not because I don't like Pakistan but I feel ashamed of its leaders like nawazs and zardaris and people who support them.
I also understand 80% Pakistanis are uneducated and these ill gotten rich men who govern (rather control) poor Pakistanis buy their vote for a plate of Biryani, buy media and judiciary.
Dear Soldier, as we all know its a clear conspiracy against Great Pervez Musharraf by this corrupt sharif and former cheap justice and protecting this great leader equals protecting Pakistan from its enemy.
God bless you!
@Syed: Well said,
@Patriot: There is nothing more honourable to defend your country and no dress has more dignity than Army uniform, but please don't forget that its people of Pakistan who have made it possible, provided you an opportunity, given you honour and respect. Please don't insult us and tell other retirees that don't create islands of hatred and fear, respect laws of the land and become equal and respectful.
@Kaleem: I don't think Musharaf is trying to drag Army into this conflict,,,He is a army officer although retired but one can't keep the fish away from water,,,, No intellectual or the expert is convinced that the proper justice being exercised,,
@Sandip: Who said we don't own our dead troops who sacrificed their lives at Kargil? They lay where the fell fighting for Pakistan. No different than those who made the ultimate sacrifice for Pakistan at Siachen and are still there!!!! We were not going to give your two bit media opportunity for propaganda and that is why we did not take the bodies of our men who your side wanted to hand over under the media glare.
Kargil is LoC, its not India (as such don't confuse the IB with LoC)!! Those who died at Kargil lie within the folds of Pakistani territory.
@Ibrahim: Yes give the ultimate chorr (Zardari) the break and call the former CoAS of the Pakistan Army who fought for Pakistan a coward. You and this country are destined for the gutter of humanity. You folks have no idea what leaders and statesman are. You are happy with these two bit politicians who get you going on the slogans of democracy but rape and pillage you at each and every turn yet you elect them again and again preferring your zaat/paat more than the interests of this country. What a hopeless bunch of people!!!
@Kaleem: Yeah right!!!! A respected Prime Minister.. lol.. A PM who sees nothing beyond his dastar khwan... Not a single soul came out for your "Respected" PM on 12th October!! And please do keep voting for Sharifs and Zardaris.. they must be rolling on floor laughing at you after every election win!!
@Sandip: My brave Commander crossed LOC, entered your land, and even your own Chief of Army acknowledged Musharraf's courage.
We are with General Musharraf from the core of our heart. These fraud degree gangsters called politicians have grabbed power by fraudulent sale / purchase of votes and constituencies, under the cover of democracy. They have themselves made a mockery of their so beloved constitution, by not adhering to its clause 62 & 63. Not a single constituency out of thousands can claim to have absolutely fair voting and honest counting of votes. Resultantly 80 % of assembly members are fraud degree holders, in eligible due to fraudulently tax evading and criminal background. All these chaps have been sucking the blood of Pakistan and people of Pakistan and purchasing castles in UK, France and Dubai and have installing steel mills and sugar mills in Saudia and India. Do you call it democracy? We call it fraud and cheating the whole nation. We should be ashamed of ourselves for getting award of "Most Corrupt Nation" and disgracing Pakistan, people of Pakistan and the Muslims as a nation all over the world. Army officers have taken oath to protect Pakistan first and then the Constitution of Pakistan, which can be amended and has been amended from time to time. Army has to protect Pakistan from external threat as well as these pests who are time and again eating up the country from inside and taking us to the brink of being a failed state. When Martial Law was imposed General Musharraf, serving COAS, was in the plan hijacked by the then PM Nawaz Sharif along with other passengers, which was being forced to land in India. Army retaliated against this disgraceful act of Nawaz and toppled his government. Gen Musharraf was told about the situation after landing and he owned the Army action as part of Army. Now Army should be morally bound to support Gen Musharraf against these fraud politicians, who grabbed the power by fraudulent sale / purchase and rig marolling of votes and constituencies. Some of the generals, who are betraying him, like Hameed Gul Muhammad (batman type), Khalid Maqbool, and Qadir Baloch etc, are on paid role of PMLN.
@Sandip: I don't need an Indian judging my loyalty with the country and the constitution. I know my oath, and I live by my that oath & military traditions.
@Patriot: If you say your loyalty is with Pakistan and then display your loyalty to your military commander rather than the Pakistani constitution, what more can one say other than that there is a gap between what you say and what you do.
Musharraf Zinda bad, Pakistan painda bad
@Patriot: Your brave commander refused to own his soldiers when they died in Kargil. And yet, he is a brave soldier. :)
@Patriot: I fully support your sentiments and appreciate your comments that are reflective of a large majority of out forces. Gen. Musharraf is being singled out by this vindictive government and that is what is causing the concern among military and civilians alike. If this case had been handled impartially and full Article 6 had been referenced then that would be different. But it is clear this is not to carry out justice but to keep Musharraf away.
@Patriot: dear i m also serving officer. but even then if i had been in karachi i would have joined that protest. because i also have rights as civilian.
@Patriot: My dear army man, I respect you from my heart because you protect us. But everyone in this country has respect and should be dealt with respect. The commando ousted an elected & respected prime minister and 70% Pakistanis voted him into power. We feel our mandate was humiliated. Those missing persons, they deserve some respect as well. And the judiciary, they deserve some respect as well when they ask for missing persons to be produced before court. Hope you respect civilians as well, the way we respect you.
@GS@Y: Army is too proud to accept that Dhobi Mamnoon as C in C. He should sit in his shop and make money on his products
Tomorrow 2 pm karachi press club - join the "Justice Day" for Musharraf. Join the thousands other..... Musharraf zindabad Pakistan Paindabad long live Pak Army..
I am not surprised to see comments against Musharraf ... could anyone kindly first explain what make them believe that there is democracy in pakistan ?? its is Feudocracy or Psuedo Democracy, we actually speak what media teaches us ... use your brain ... atleast choose words in your sentences which media is not repeating every day ...
@GS@Y: My loyalty is with Pakistan. Full stop!
"Brave" General. Even Zardari is braver than him
@Patriot: Perhaps you should be mindful that you have taken an oath to defend and obey Pakistan's constitution, which embodies the sovereign will of the people of this country and is exercised on their behalf by democratically-elected civilian leaders (however imperfectly). Think for a moment of how profound the meaning of that oath is, and then you'll know why usurping the people's sovereignty by force of arms is fundamentally an act of rebellion and oath-breaking. While it is important to negotiate the current Musharraf saga carefully to keep our democracy on an even keel, you should never forget that you are a member of Pakistan's military, Mamnoon Hussain is your commander in-chief, and he deserves your complete loyalty, not one of his appointees ("my brave general").
@Patriot: Zinabad! Zindabad! We are with you and all our brave and devoted soldiers. Long live our men in uniform and those who ever had the honour to wear that sacred uniform that represents our nations resolve to live and cherish our freedom. Long live the great hero our Presdient, General Pervez Musharraf.
He is dragging army into it. Bring it on, the democracy believers are ready too. We wont let "mere azeez ham watno" again. We want our fortunes to be driven by our vote! Did you hear that?
Am a serving military officer, otherwise would have joined that protest to show my support for my brave General. Me and countless brothers in arms stand with our brave Commander and condemn this selective justice aimed at humiliating an ex Army Chief.