Whatever became of his famous rallying cry: Pakistan first? PHOTO: REUTERS
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 26th, 2014.
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I am surprised to see so many pseudo-intellectuals still lamenting for Musharraf as if the law is special for the VVIP convict. Musharraf should show some courage to face the law and learn from the Army Chiefs of Chile, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Turkey. No wonder Pakistan is languishing behind the civilized world!!
@ concerned for justice
To reiterate justice is what all of us want not mockery of it in a Kangaroo Trial Remember Musharraf had even found no hesitation in appearing in a magistrates' court some months back.
How was he treated then both by the Judge and the paid blackcoats.?
Of-course. Mush is a patriotic soldier of the soil,though there is no doubts on his patriotism but it all does not mean that a man who is accused of high treason should not be trialed in the country court on the pretext that he had fought three war against enemy .
@Concerned for justice:
No one is against the trial, not even Musharraf. What people question is the setup of this trial. If someone has real concern for justice, than he should be concerned about the impartiality of the judges and the sincerity of the prosecution. Even a blind can see that the merit of judges is that they have reasons to punish Musharraf. The prosecutor (current government) has personal grudge against the accused. How could this be a fair trial? This trial, from the begining, has all the ingredients to be an UNFAIR trial.
@adnan: No one is making fun of Musharraf. The article is only asking that he should be tried for his crimes. Is there any law that 70-year old man should not be tried. Prejudice should have some limits.
Unless otherwise you are 100% sure, all your Editorial is based on assumption due to the consequences leading to his sickness. I am really surprised why people are not understanding that everyone has the right to be treated by his own/choose/personal/favorite doctor. It is not matter of trust, it is matter of the connection doctor and patient are in.
I once treated by a British Dentist around 4 years back, she heavily charged me but I am looking forward to seeing her again despite my recent visit to Pakistan. It is something different which can't be explained.
A Kangaroo Trial is not worth attending where the judges are biased and planted and the very constitution of the court is subjudice.
Musharaf should never walk in to the court where a plot has already been made to handcuff and humiliate him and move him to Simly dam resthouse as vendetta has blinded his persecutors
ET editors are now against Musharraf to gain sympathy, Commercial Ads from the ruling party. They don't have the guts to print how this farce trial is put in place instead they take the easy route....Musharraf beating!!
I know you will not publish my comments....but that's what I said earlier....NO GUTS!
@Billoo Bhaya:
You are right. In India, the Army does not consider itself above the law, the generals abide by their oath to the constitution and republic, and the civilans (Nehru, Indra, Desai, Manmohan etc.) are in charge, not greedy and incompetent generals. You are correct, this would not happen in India
This is not a real trial of Mush for multiple acts of high treason. It is a trial of our judicial system and elected govt's supremacy over gun totting paid govt servants. Let us see like all previous times the generals get away with all their perks intact and no accountability.
Yes, Pakistan must come first, but President Musharraf is facing the thugs in Pakistan, the same gang who is the biggest threat to Pakistan & its people. Sure, only an idiot of the most degenerated class would think that a smart man like President Musharraf would or should let this gang of his enemies persecute him in the name of court and trials. This is enemies' tactic and it's President Musharraf's right to tackle them as cleverly and shrewdly as one would expect from a trained commando of his class.
Its not a trial, but a farce. The whole world sees what kind of people we are and earn the respect that we are given. This would not happen in India as seen in their diplomatic tussle with a Great Power.
ET, without even reading your piece, I can say it will be against Mush. Am I right? If you have guts do post my comments as is.
As this charade now stands, the man is disgraced beyond redemption.........it appears that all involved have extracted their pound of flesh.