It was a long wait, but the moment finally arrived. Musharraf has been indicted on five counts of high treason — the first time that a former army chief will be held accountable in the country’s history. The much anticipated indictment has drawn a wide array of responses on social media where politicians, journalists and others following the case have been opining on what has happened and speculating on what lies ahead.
Dawn.com looks at some of the responses that drew our attention.
Indictment approved
A large section of online commenters see the indictment as a positive development — one which sends a clear message to any potential coup planners, as well as ensuring regard for the Constitution in a country where the military has taken power in three coups since its inception.
A quick exit?
Speculation is also rife that Musharraf will likely be safely escorted out of Pakistan in a situation where everyone appears a winner now that the indictment has come through.
A case of revenge?
There is also a section of people who view the case and the indictment as uncalled for — an act of vengeance that has come along with poor advice given to the former dictator. His trial is also being criticised as ill-timed, with the government currently engaged with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan in peace talks.
It remains to be seen how the trial will pan out and whether those predicting a quick flight for Musharraf will be proven right.
