"I sincerely believe in the sanctity of Pakistan Army," says Khwaja Saad Rafique. PHOTO: FILE
In the statement, he said that Musharraf had “abrogated the Constitution on October 12, 1999” and had “repeated the act on November 3, 2007”, adding that the Supreme Court has already “declared him guilty”.
Rafiq also said that he “sincerely believes in the sanctity of the Pakistan Army because they are the custodian of [Pakistan's] territorial and ideological boundaries”, adding that he had on record praised the role of former army chief Gen (Retd) Ashfaq Parvez Kayani who “depoliticised the institution of Armed Forces over the past six years”.
The Railways minister had on March 31 called Musharraf a “traitor” and the “worst offender of the nation”. He had also stated that Musharraf had used his powers as army chief in an “unlawful” and “unconstitutional” manner, damaging democracy and hurting the legitimacy of the Supreme Court.
He had also accused Musharraf of ordering the Lal Masjid incident and for the murder of Akbar Bugti, adding that Musharraf had hurt the Army more than any other former army chief had.
In another statement Rafiq had called Musharraf a “coward” and accused him of putting up a “drama” to avoid legal proceedings against him.
Defending his statements on April 3, 2014 outside the National Assembly, Rafiq said that it was his contention that “our Baloch, Pakhtoon and Sindhi brothers have all suffered” under Pervez Musharraf’s rule.
COMMENTS (36)
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I pity this Mr Saad.
He is defend Akbar Khan Bugti, against whom there are proves of being the head of BLA. Does he even know the mean of BLA?
Lal Masjid people were threatening the government in the capital and that to with ammunitions in their hands. Since when masajids are allowed to keep weapons for their defence?
I think whatever Musharraf did was all right and legitimate, except overlooking few army personal who took advantage of the power they receive by Musharraf.
It was Nawaz Sharif who backed off from Kargil, under UNs pressure otherwise Musharraf would have taken that too for the rivals.
And please do not compare him with the other General of the past. Every General has his own identity. And Musharraf did the best of all.
@Naseer:
You mean you prefer legalized corruption and institutionalized corruption, the military kind.
@Rex Minor:
" He is the Indian born civilian ............................................."
Mr. Minor what are you attempting to say??
general ayub sold away two rivers of Pakistan to india besides defeating Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah by intense rigging and violence led by his prince captain gohar ayub. general yahya broke the country into two for his lost of power. general zia lost Siachen. general musharraf Kargil debacle that weakened Pakistan's position on Kashmir besides loss of hundreds of NLI soldiers' lives. Dignity remained intact during all these happenings. Two ministers criticize a retired general who also happens to be the head of a political party and suddenly dignity is gravely endangered. What a country and what a ... oops dignity
@Ashraf Chaudhary: At least learn the spelling of "CONSTITUTION" or are you also fraud degree politician?
'They' own the bakeries, schools, colleges, university, bank, leasing company, fertilizer, hospitals, and housing societies in every major city......enjoy special treatment everywhere, get all the perks of big land and special positions in their own hold companies.....every political and democratic govt is afraid of them, ....and yet we pay their all requirements through our taxes....!!
I think we all deserve this as our nation has gone insane. This happens in no where in any part of the world....not even in india. I watched a senior officer's military vehicle stopped for few minutes while some school children were crossing the road....as 'they' are treated as normal citizens performing their duties of what they are being paid off. Can we see this happen in our country ? can a general's car can stop for a student? the answer is no! It has become a commercial power n engaged in different businesses....how can they be professional? how can they be more effective?......and the innocent low rank soldiers keep on giving their blood for the love their soil....pitty
@Ali Pakistani:
Parvez is neither in the army Sir, nor does he represent the army. He is the Indian born civilian who has been indicted by not convicted by the court; the trial continues. The Minister has no business to interfere which can tantamount to contempt of court.
Rex Minor
@KHI: The question is not how many wars Musharaf or his co-generals fought, question is how many did they win -- or, to put it bluntly, how much disgrace they brought upon themselves and the country -- does 1971 ring a bell???? Only time they have shown bravery is when they booted out elected govts, over and over!!!
It is surprising to note that some people still continue to support looters. Our country is falling because of these looters, not because of our defenders. Musharraf demonstrated good governance. Corrupt politicians must learn from his rule when there was peace and Pakistan was prospering.
Saad Khawaja should know that President Musharraf has just one identity and that is Pakistan Army. Saad should learn to respect people who are defenders of your country. Saad Khawaja should apologize to the Pakistan Army.
@Khan: What you wrote is correct, but only applicable on paper for Pakistan. Practically Pakistan should be run by a Presidential System, Because that system will consolidate all enforcing power in one position and will be more accountable to public pressure. Parlimentary System has too many illiterate's electing more illiterate to represent them. Education requirement should be part of rule to get elected to office.
@Ashraf Chaudhary: Pervez Musharraf service record indicate that he was in a war of 1965 & 1971 and was send to take back Siachen Glacier and Saltoro ridge after Zia ul Haq lost these area circa 1984.
@Salman:
Ah well friend, the politicians have paid their dues as far dishonour is concerned. Now is the time for khakis to pay and pay big time.
Rafiq deserves a lot of credit for speaking the truth and not being afraid of calling out the army general Musharraf for illegally abrogating the constitution. Rafiq is a true patriot.
I am surprised to see many Pakistanis here condemning Rafiq instead of supporting him. Perhaps, Pakistanis deserve to be ruled by authoritarian army dictators.