Musharraf’s trial

The treason trial of former army chief General (retd) Pervez Musharraf appears to have entered a crucial phase with the presentation of his medical report on January 24. The much-awaited report by a three-member panel of doctors associated with the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) describes his illness as ‘serious and unpredictable’. Cynics must have permitted themselves a smile at this conclusion, as this appeared to be opening the exit door for the general, who since the past many days seemed to be itching to leave the country on the pretext of medical treatment. What provoked howls of derision from the public prosecutor was a clear indication that General (retd) Musharraf was unwilling to get his treatment done at home. His unwillingness stems not so much from his lack of faith in the capability of local doctors as from his doubts about the right equipment available locally.

Doctors say that a coronary angiogram is required urgently to ascertain the need for more medical procedures. However, the report adds that General (retd) Musharraf wants to go abroad as ‘he has reserved his right’ to avail a ‘medical facility of his choice’. Predictably, the public prosecutor bristled at the findings of the report and demanded formation of an independent medical board comprising the country’s top five cardiologists, which should then file a separate report. Jeering at the demand of the principal accused in the case, prosecutor Akram Sheikh said if General (retd) Musharraf is allowed to leave the country to be treated at a hospital of his choice, all prisoners suffering from similar diseases must be given the equal right to leave the country as well. Without taking a partisan position on this issue, we cannot but see a point in Mr Sheikh’s line of reasoning. Given General (retd) Musharraf’s own past declaration that he would fight all charges against him in the court of law, it is in the interest of his own prestige that he must not be seen to be running off from court proceedings. Pakistan’s leading hospitals, including AFIC, are reputed for their best treatment facilities for heart patients. There is hardly a reason for General (retd) Musharraf not to trust their doctors or their facilities. After all, whatever became of his famous rallying cry: Pakistan first?

Published in The Express Tribune, January 26^th, 2014.

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