Old allies campaign to rescue former military ruler

Dawn.com Published April 12, 2014

KARACHI: In a bid to rescue the under trial ex-military ruler of Pakistan, former allies of General (retd) Pervez Musharraf regime expressed their loyalty to him yet again on Saturday, DawnNews reported.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain, who has been vocal on the issue, said those behind implicating only Mushrraf in the trial under Article 6 of the Constitution were themselves culprits for doing so under the same article.

Gen Musharraf is currently facing an unprecedented high treason trial, along with other charges, for imposing emergency and deposing higher judiciary judges in different Pakistani courts.

MQM chief Altaf Hussain

Without naming anyone, Altaf Hussain said those who took ‘actions’ before the former army chief’s aircraft landed in Pakistan should also be tried and hanged.

“Listen carefully…I may return to Pakistan any day,” said the MQM chief in a threatening tone to an unidentified audience.

“How can I respect someone who considers one a culprit for the same crime of which others are innocent?” he questioned.

The MQM chief was speaking over telephone from London at an inauguration ceremony of a new campus of Nazir Hussain University.

Hussain, who has been living in the United Kingdom for more than 20 years in a self imposed exile, also said that he has applied for a Pakistani passport and a National Identity Card (NIC) since his existing documents had expired.

“Pakistan will always remain my home. I can come back (to Pakistan) any day,” he said.

The MQM chief urged his supporters to protest ‘peacefully’ in case his application for the said documents is denied.

Meanwhile, chief of Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain said those who speak of Article 6 should also go through Article 63.

PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat

Speaking at a function in Lahore, he demanded the government to take action against ministers, who he alleged, used inappropriate language against the Pakistan Army.

The PML-Q chief said breaching the Constitution does not fall under high treason, adding Gen Musharraf should not have been implicated in the case in the first place.

Meanwhile, Allama Tahirul Qadri – an Islamic cleric who, with thousands of his followers, took to the streets in Islamabad in the run up to the historic May 11 polls demanding sweeping changes to the electoral system of the country – also declared Musharraf’s trial as biased.

Dr Tahirul Qadri

He alleged that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was settling personal scores under the disguise of court proceedings.

Declaring May 11, 2013 as a dark day for Pakistan, the chief of Minhajul Quran Foundation announced a country-wide protest on May 11 next month.

He alleged that the federal ministers were trying to defame the armed forces and not Musharraf alone, demanding the trial to be initiated starting from actions of October 12, 1999 rather than Nov 3, 2007.

“If accountability has to be done then it should be done for ministers, judges, generals and the parliamentarians as well,” said the cleric.

Pakistan

104

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Nazir

Apr 12, 2014 08:45pm

I may not agree with these people all the time...But this time they said what every pakistani should say... Hats off to these guys....

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usman civil 01-08-2013

Apr 12, 2014 08:49pm

Agree his statement. "

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khuma

Apr 12, 2014 08:52pm

Message given by the leaders to the rulers is very clear and it demands from the them to rethink and review their priorities while conducting to score their revenge against the soldier who sacrificed for the integrity of the country for a longer time than the others.

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sja

Apr 12, 2014 08:59pm

Allama Tahirul Quadri is an epic scholar of his INTER FAITH involvement globally, and now we have here INTER GOVERNMENT COALITIONERS ---- those who have been part of the Musharaf governments for 12 years, in uniform and without uniform, and now are on the rescue. This is perfect payback --- they were in need during the reign and had been partners and now they want to help and pay back. The NEW coalition to rescue Musharaf, is a new democratic coalition of MQM, Q League, Pakistan Awami Tehreek. So let us see how this new coalition wins freedom for their ex-political benefactor now indicted. Allama Tahirul Quadri is constitutional authority and a seasoned lawyer he should have been in the lead in front of Sahebzada Kasuri

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sja

Apr 12, 2014 09:01pm

Why called them old cronies ---- they are real old COALITION-ERS not yet indicted if proven they be tried to.

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ali

Apr 12, 2014 09:06pm

All Hail Musharraf and armed forces for there selfless services for Pakistan. So what, if they detained the Supreme Court judges, violated the supreme law of the land (twice) and put the common man life in jeopardy. As long as you belong to the one Specific institution, now one can touch you. in addition to that, those people who claim that army is not corrupt and savior of Pakistan, they need to wake up and visit our history.

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Akram

Apr 12, 2014 09:08pm

The only thing I learned from this is the realisation that army must stop interfering in politics.

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malick

Apr 12, 2014 09:08pm

Well spoken by Altaf, Choudhary Shujaat the great and Allama Tahir. Like Allama, Altaf and Choudhary shoud follow him on comming May 11

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naeem khan

Apr 12, 2014 09:11pm

old cronies sums up all really only IK is missing

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independentthinker

Apr 12, 2014 09:12pm

Considering what Musharraf is going through, my sincere advise to MQM Chief Altaf Hussain is stay where you are. Don't even let the thought cross your mind - let alone threaten to come back to Pakistan. You probably will face worse consequences.

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Anam

Apr 12, 2014 09:13pm

Musharraf is a sincere patriot of this country.

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Amir Bangash

Apr 12, 2014 09:21pm

I like General Musharaf for his principle stand against terrorism.

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ali

Apr 12, 2014 09:24pm

I totally agree with them, Musharraf was hundred times better than others. He respected minorities and didnt support any extremist party, we all should raise our voice for him,.

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S Chaudhury

Apr 12, 2014 09:33pm

I fully agree with Allama Tahirul Qadri comment. May 11 polls were dark acts of Pakistani courts that supported the corrupt people. We failed to hold free & fair election.

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water

Apr 12, 2014 09:53pm

they didn't eloquently delineated their loyalty to him but Army.

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shahana

Apr 12, 2014 10:08pm

All the three are Musharaf friends no matter what they say. Musharraf should be treated as it will shut the doors of future coups.

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shahana

Apr 12, 2014 10:13pm

the more harsh Musharaf is treated,the better it is as it would shup the doors of future coup.the adventure commandos will think hundereds times before they leap at power.

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Zak

Apr 12, 2014 10:20pm

It appears, the way he is botching up again, Nawaz will go down in history as the only PM who could never complete his tenure 3 times. PML-N after the anti Pakistan army speeches, is turning out to be the most hated political party in Pakistan.

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Ayesha Khan

Apr 12, 2014 10:23pm

Pakistans politics are the dirtiest in the entire world, and beyond human comprehension. Only God is the Protector

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Sahiwal wala

Apr 12, 2014 10:24pm

People found the guts to stand up against ameerul momineen. And his cabal of sycophants. That is something. Considering Nawaz is backed by his childhood friend,..the COAS. Who will rather support a despot than a decorated veteran soldier, a general of two wars.

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Ahmed Pasha

Apr 12, 2014 11:07pm

And what about those who have been spewing venom against the Courts? This tout of establishment has always back-stabbed the process of democracy in Pakistan. When the former Chief Justice was suspended by the then Dictator in March 2007, Chaudhry Pervaiz, then CM Punjab, sent Police to drag the CJ from hair and ransacked the office of a TV channel which the entire nation watched live. When Musharraf dumped Chaudhries and signed NRO with PPP in October 2007, these opportunists left him alone upon his dwindling support. The most-opportunist Chaudhries were taking oath of Ministries in May 2011 under PPP Government when the entire country was shocked on USA's surprise raid for OBL in Abbottabad. The multi-billion NICL Corruption Scandal involving Moonis Elahi has been buried with the help of fake investigators of then Interior Minister, Rahman Malik. The era of these corrupt opportunists is closed forever InshaAllah!

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Kausar

Apr 12, 2014 11:09pm

Can't stop laughing. All these are now standing behind the "Dictator". Maybe, they are expected better reward from Mush for their dubious loyalty! Nevertheless, law must take its course and try Mush. Pakistan Zindabad!

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Mustafa

Apr 12, 2014 11:15pm

Musharraf's fate has been determined between Pakistan's two primary poles of power, Army and America. Nawaz Sharif, media shedia and Adlia shadlia are all going through motions of due process of law. Raheel Sharif's growl a few days ago has sent a lot of rats scurrying for cover. The rats have had their fun while the cat was asleep. Anti Army stalwarts like Najam Sethi ans Asma Jahangir have suddenly found wisdom in restraint.

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Shehzad Zafar

Apr 12, 2014 11:16pm

Good for Musharraf. Finally he is getting political support. He is getting into real politics.

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Sher

Apr 12, 2014 11:19pm

Please tell all the Coronies, don't worry, you will all be tried very soon. In my view, all these parties including, PML Q, MQM must be banned for at least 10 years.

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Arif Khan

Apr 12, 2014 11:22pm

I can't believe I'm saying this but Altaf Hussain and all these others are correct on this one. I guess according to new Pakistani standards, a traitor is someone who works for the betterment of the people and the country and the condition to become next PM/President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan is that you must have stolen billions of rupees from poor people of Pakistan.

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Khan

Apr 12, 2014 11:31pm

The future government in making

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Ravi Dallas TX

Apr 12, 2014 11:32pm

Poor Mushraff, neither Pakistan nor India (after Kargil), likes him.

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Air Cdre Arif Moinuddin

Apr 12, 2014 11:34pm

Pakistan has had man military rulers before Gen Musharraf took over the reigns of the country. By any standards none of them were dictators like we have seen in other countries. My reason for calling them rulers rather than dictators is simple. All these rulers took over for a common reason and that was the inability of the civilian government to control the situation and blatant corruption. additionally every one of them took the civilian politicians to work for them. Now it were only the politicians who were left out from ruling part that cried foul. So why Gen Musharraf only, why not try all military rulers starting from Gen Ayub Khan. This is a revenge game and nothing else. The trial and God forbid any punishment will pave the way for a permanent martial law in Pakistan. Maybe it would be the best for Pakistan. All rulers must take a lie detector test to assess their locality to Pakistan.

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Apr 12, 2014 11:37pm

"Old cronies campaign to rescue former military ruler"...if this is not bias i don't know what is!. if anyone supports him against personal judicial and political vendetta they are called all kind of names.Pakistani media dawn included should not call themselves journalists or humans rights supporters.it is sickening to see no voice of dissent let alone calling for a fair trial. the so called democrats of Pakistan are worst dictators,cowards and corrupt.they have a historical chance to to uphold the law by applying it fairly and put on trial everyone that helped Mr.pervez musharraf impose Marshal law and declare emergency. media in democratic societies work as a watchdog over overreaching institutions,in Pakistan media is working as enabler.the giddiness of the media is appalling. this holier then thou attitude of the judiciary,politicians and media can harm the democratic process. the worst thing that can happen is if he was convicted alone because the world will see that nothing has changed in Pakistan.

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M. Emad

Apr 12, 2014 11:52pm

'Dignity' !

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syed baqar ahsan

Apr 12, 2014 11:59pm

They all ihree know well democracy is best revenge adopted by present govt (PML N)by being selective in Musharraf trail.Purpose of those is to keep us involved to killing and disgracing our self.

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msa

Apr 13, 2014 12:11am

At last, some are coming out to call a spade a spade. Musharraf should not only be free of vendetta cases, he should be brought into government to solve the nations problems. He is the one who can do it.

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Apr 13, 2014 12:29am

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was settling personal scores under the disguise of court proceedings. Those behind implicating only Mushrraf in the trial under Article 6 of the Constitution were themselves culprits for doing so under the same article.

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Mohammad Waseem

Apr 13, 2014 12:42am

PPP, PML-N, PTI and Faction of JI and JUI will not help nation with load shedding, inflation, unemployment. Will not protect the citizens from terrorism and secretarial violence but can always join hands when it comes to protecting their interest. A game of turns has been established between PPP and PML-N..PTI is going to stay under radar because they got a lollypop too (KPK). Pakistani people should come out and stand for a change. Over haul of the whole electoral system. Over haul of the judiciary and executive and clean the country of garbage like the current politician and parliamentarian. They should be forced to bring billions from foreign countries and all their sugar mills, steel mills and factory and flats given toward the nations growth and debt. Once that is done then let them go out of the country with a life time ban on holding any public office. We only need honest people to take our country out of chaos and trouble.

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sharouk

Apr 13, 2014 12:46am

@nk: i

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A patriot

Apr 13, 2014 12:52am

The argument that "all or None" is flawed and does not apply in the real world. It is the prerogative of the Govt. to try who ever they want. It is argument like these that become impediment in the justice system. Let Musharraf be tried, others can be pardoned or tried later. Chaudharies have a history of stabbing their benefactors in the back.

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Apr 13, 2014 12:53am

How quickly media changes its tone - Dawn, where are your standards ! Whom you are calling a cronie, until yesterday he was your voice. it was HIM who allowed a free media and private channels, otherwise we only ever had one PTV that every government in power had used for their own propaganda. Musharraf may not have made popular decisions, but he is and will always be a Hero of this nation, a veteran of 1965,71, Siachin, Kargil and many other wars imposed on Pakistan. Choose your sides carefully or history will not forgive you.

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Awan

Apr 13, 2014 12:55am

@Air Cdre Arif Moinuddin ::Mr Air Commodore it is pretty sad to read your lengthy comment. You used the Word **Civilian** like we are inhabitants of another land or enemy of yours! Also your main task is to protect our borders and you are failing us in that regard. Taliban are there and killing us and what you did to eradicate them? Americans came and left our country and your Radars and PAF did not got a clue what happened. So kindly do your job and stop meddling in the affairs of the government. I am pretty sure ISI Media division is pretty active right now and they have 24/7 commentators right now to comment on all news channels to gather support for Musharraf and also to make way for the Martial law again.

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A patriot

Apr 13, 2014 12:57am

@nk: Your logic is flawed which "all or none" it doesn't work like that in the real world. It is people like you who create impediment in the justice system.Dawn is right that "old cronies are coming to the rescue of Musharraf" The trial will be public so you should not jump to the conclusion that the trial would be unfair. Tayyara Fraud case was cooked for sure. Musharraf must face the music.

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A patriot

Apr 13, 2014 12:58am

@msa : Nonsense

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A patriot

Apr 13, 2014 12:58am

@syed baqar ahsan: Nonsense

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A patriot

Apr 13, 2014 12:58am

Nonsense

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A patriot

Apr 13, 2014 01:00am

@nk: Mr. Fraud ul Qadri is once again trying to get cheap publicity on the donations collected from people. He is an imposter and should not be listened to.

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Mohammad Waseem

Apr 13, 2014 01:06am

I salute Musharraf for serving my country for 45 years as soldier and 8 years as ruler. His rule was far better than PPP and PML-N. He was respected out side Pakistan and was not afraid of facing the media. People like Scrap Dealer Nawaz Sharif and Matric Fail Zardari are disgrace for our country. He should be tried for treason in NRO case. He should be tried for treason in letting a convict run from country. He should be tried for letting all the looters come back and start looting again. He should be tried for allowing all lal masjid terrorist stock pile that much weapons and terrorize Islamabad for months before operation. He should be tried to not bringing the looted money from Zardari and Nawaz Sharif but not for sending a corrupt judge home.

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sharouk

Apr 13, 2014 01:10am

@nk: I am Appalled, Aghast and Flabbergasted at your omitting the circumstances which brought Musharraf to power in 1999. It was Nawaz Sharif who had refused to let Musharraf's plane land at Karachi airport. The plane was running out of fuel with upwards of 300 people on board. But Nawaz Sharif did not care, as he does not care about hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis being brutally killed by TTP killers. He will know how people feel who have lost a family member, only when something like that hits his family. It is Nawaz Sharif and not Musharraf who should be charged with High Treason for endangering lives of so many people, being in cahoots with enemies of Pakistan and for looting the country to the hilt. In the world press, the trial against Musharraf is a sham and a personal vendetta. Nawaz Sharif has been kicked out of office twice before, seems like the third time is not too far away. Nawaz Sharif and his looting family should be banned from politics in Pakistan.

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A patriot

Apr 13, 2014 01:11am

@Air Cdre Arif Moinuddin: Your logic is flawed, which is "All or None" it is cronies like you, who become an impediment to the justice system. Let his trial be conducted and see what happens. It is the pr-rogative of the government to try culprits as it deems fit. Let Musharraf face the music first and then we should get his accomplices or pardon them.

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Shams Khan

Apr 13, 2014 01:13am

I will call it Punjabi Revenge on a Urdu Speaking General !!!!!! Musharruf Indictment and unfortunate punishment will BOLSTER hands of MQM. MQM will get a battle cry against Punjabis hanging an Urdu Speaking General if ONLY him is indicted.

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FIZA, Soho

Apr 13, 2014 01:14am

I'm not a fan of MQM or Altaf Hussain yet he is right on target when he states very correctly "those who took

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A patriot

Apr 13, 2014 01:17am

Where is Minhaj Ul Quran and Tahir ul Qadri is getting the money from? I live in Canada and intend filing a case against this impostor for lying in his application for immigration, as Disclosed by Hamid Mir) and women and children abuse by making women and children suffer in cold weather, while he slept, ate and rested in his heated bunker.

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Ahmed

Apr 13, 2014 01:21am

Media trial of Gen. Musharraf must stop. To uphold Constitution , all those involved in ' 99 Coup must be tried. Additionally, Nawaz Sharif & his cronies must be tried for disallowing civil airliner carrying Musharraf to land at Karachi. In reality Nawaz Sharif is guilty of destabilizing Pakistan by sacking Army Chief , when he was in an aero plane. NS is now in revenge mode. But public must not allow him.

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Mohammad Waseem

Apr 13, 2014 01:23am

@A patriot: People like us deserve leaders like Zardari and Nawaz Sharif. Salute to Egyptians for coming out of the houses twice in a year and look at us we are sitting in front of the computer typing responses on dawn.com

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Mustafa

Apr 13, 2014 01:36am

May Allah send another Musharraf to clean Pakistan from all its enemies and hypocrite leaders. Ameen!

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Shah

Apr 13, 2014 01:41am

@naeem khan: IK is non revolutionary leader... good word no action

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Shah

Apr 13, 2014 01:42am

@Air Cdre Arif Moinuddin: Agree... and now we have the same situation... Army should take over to save the country. Pakistan first... every thing else comes later.

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Shahpur

Apr 13, 2014 01:44am

Problem with Musharraf is that he is not a Political leader or a Politician. If he believes he has done nothing wrong, then he should tell his side of the story to media. I am sure Pakistani media would love to put him on TV. He has an army of lawyers, who are doing nothing but waiting for a plane to come and get this guy to some wonderland. He should call some reporters and give them his side of the story. He looks like a "Tin Dictator", not even like a " Real Dictator". .

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mohammad shafique

Apr 13, 2014 01:44am

hope altaf, choudhry and allama tahir are next after their treasonous leader is hanged for his crime,

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raj

Apr 13, 2014 01:53am

@Air Cdre Arif Moinuddin: What did all these military takeovers in Pakistan change for your country???? has any good come out of it?

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Azmat Khan

Apr 13, 2014 02:23am

Birds of a feather flock together.Musharraf must be tried at every cost and and a precedent made so that in future no body dares to abrogate the constitution

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S Chaudhury

Apr 13, 2014 02:35am

Well said Chaudhry Shujaat, Dr Tahirul Qadri & Altaf Hussain.

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Hassan

Apr 13, 2014 03:31am

I do not understand what makes this Govt feel that first they can brutaly hijack the elections and Imran khan's well deserved victory and then take personal revenge from Musharraf and get away with it. I see nothing but army returning back to protect its coutry very soon. Why can't Shareeves see that ? are they realy so naive?

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Hassan

Apr 13, 2014 03:36am

@Mustafa: why not the same Musharaf? men like him are not that easy to find, besides we have seen Zia ul Huq once and atleaast I do not want to see such a man ever again.

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Najamuddin

Apr 13, 2014 03:47am

@Air Cdre Arif Moinuddin: With due respect to Air Cdre Arif Moinuddin Sahib I fully agree that overwhelming majority of politicians are corrupt. Whether Civilian or Uniformed rulers and functionaries indulged into corruption should be equally liable for accountability under the basic laws of Islam. Why Gen Musharraf included in his Govt the world know most notorious head to toes corrupt politicians in his first cabinet already facing indictment and prosecution by the Courts? There was no scarcity of honest and highly qualified people in the Country. 3 Army generals of Pakistan have founded their own political parties indulging in dirty politics like the civilian politicians. The sooner they did so they ceased all immunity, whatsoever. Hence since becoming founder and heads of political parties they too should be equally liable for public criticism and accountability in a civilian court like any other politicians. Entire Pakistani nation has always loved, respected and supported the honest and patriot Army generals, officers and soldiers. If an elected Prime Minster of Bhutto's stature could be hanged by an Army dictator why not a wrong doing Army general should face the course of accountability? Why for upholding the rule of equal justice for all permanent Martial Law should be imposed as mentioned by you?

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Ravi Dallas TX

Apr 13, 2014 03:48am

@Oz: Can you tell us how Kargil was imposed on you? Isn't it that Pakistan started it and lost at the end? Or is that the way Pak media told you.

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Syed

Apr 13, 2014 04:15am

@Air Cdre Arif Moinuddin: Neither Armed forces nor civilian government of Pakistan are currently inept to run this country soundly. Each one touts to be loyal and sincere to the country and its security, but none follow thru their promises and obligations of protecting or safeguarding the country and its image. Infact country earns more bad reputation abroad and especially among all Pakistanis whether living in the country or abroad. They lose trust in their government. Armed forces are supposed to safeguard country's border from the enemy and infiltration of bad intention people whose only intention is to harm the country and create destruction and havoc whereas civilian government should fulfill their oath and obligations for the service of the country and to its people with solemn sincerity and seriousness. I think the most profound problem the country faces today is education. If people are well educated then they will not make mistakes in electing incompetent people to run the country.

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concerned

Apr 13, 2014 04:26am

@Air Cdre Arif Moinuddin: Fully agreed.Very well mentioned.

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Ghani K

Apr 13, 2014 04:38am

Choudhry brothers of Gujrat, MQM supremo Altaf Hussain are the cronies of ex military dictator,they served dictator for 8 years. Now they are supporting him in unison.Look at the present picture. All these so called" freedom lovers" are disgruntled leaders. Choudrys were thoroughly beaten in previous election,they are spent cartridges of Musharraf , they don't have any clout in Punjab. Altaf Hussain under investigation by London Police & Scotland Yard is trying to find an escape route. MQM had carte blanche from Musharraf to rule Karachi, permission to rule in any way they choose to. Nawaz Sharif is a business man he opted for an exile to save his commercial enterprise rather taking stand against Musharraf. Nation must realize that Musharraf was no Thomas Jefferson, he was akin to Pinochet of Chile. He shredded the constitution and gave us a parting gift , NRO which sanctified corruption & cronyism.

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Karim

Apr 13, 2014 04:47am

Nawaz isn't a leader. Poor guy was holding sticky notes during his meeting with Obama last October. He simply couldn't cover major issues facing the country without having notes written and a bit shaky. Musharraf on the other hand, if you watch his interviews and speeches with other world leaders was able to eloquently cover all different questions asked of him. I don't agree with Army taking over the country But this is clearly revenge current govt is looking to get. Paki's have no shame. Country needs true patriots who can bring the real change.

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Zobia Khan

Apr 13, 2014 05:53am

@Arif Khan: This is a typical smoke screen. Basically what they are saying is since you have not caught the other thieves you should let this one go. It is the most immature statement anyone can ever make, and every accused makes it when caught by the police, why did you catch me but not the one from 10 years ago. A good example are the Nuremberg trials held after WWII; not all Nazi criminals were apprehended; whoever was caught or could be caught was tried and punished. The law is applies to all but there is no guarantee that everyone will be prosecuted.

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Asif Malik

Apr 13, 2014 06:47am

The fact that they are helping Gen. Musharraf now means they are not cronies but loyal friends. Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has shown that he is a better man and politician then the backstabbing (reference Muhammad Khan Junejo) current PM. Great job electing him.

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Jalaluddin S. Hussain

Apr 13, 2014 06:56am

Let democratic and proper judicial process prevail in Pakistan and those who have worked against the very interests of Pakistan and its people, should be tried in a court of law. In any case, the judicial trial should start with General Musharraf. If he is really innocent the trial will give him an opportunity to speak out the truth!

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Bharat

Apr 13, 2014 07:19am

A lot of PM's have been prosecuted in the past. Why not a dictator?

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Bharat

Apr 13, 2014 07:24am

@Shams Khan: URDU speaking ? Less then 2% of your population uses Urdu full time. And Urdu was the real reason why you split with Bangladesh.

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Bin Dawood

Apr 13, 2014 07:57am

All the corrupt politicians and news mafia hate Musharraf and the likes because they fear him or people like him who can put a stop on there cronies. When you point fingers on others four fingers point back at you. The one calling some one cronies is themselves four time more cronies. The way things are going Pakistan should be ready for a bloody coup next time which will finally get the country rid of all two families who are plundering Pakistan like they own it, with it the corrupt media mafia. Musharraf did most things right, the worst thing he did was allowing these corrupt news outlets come and ruin the country without proper checks and keeping an eye on them. Look at all these news outlets, they are leading the chorus against the person who gave them the real freedom. What a bunch of thankless creatures!

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munawar

Apr 13, 2014 08:05am

@usman civil 01-08-2013: its already being done to politicians the only sacred cow is military which should also be held responsible for their wrong doings....

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Apr 13, 2014 08:21am

@A patriot. If there is any flaw it is in your "wish" to punish the former President Mr Pervez Musharraf alone!.that is not justice that is revenge and persecution.it doesn't matter how one feels about a person personally.when it comes to law you can not cherry pick one person and leave the rest of the accomplices go unpunished.that is a travesty of justice!.

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M.iqbal

Apr 13, 2014 08:25am

My question is why only Musharaf and answer is he is Muhajir and agree with nk comment.

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Husain Jan

Apr 13, 2014 08:39am

@Amir Bangash: What principled stand ? Do you know that Ariel Sheron of Israel was titled "Butcher of Sabra and Shateela" as it was on his orders that hundreds of innocent Palestinian refugees were massacred. Despite this Musharraf did not feel ashamed to call Sharon as "Great leader and Brave repeat "brave" soldier". If mass murder of innocent refugees is an act of bravery then Mush supporters are right in praising him !!! This blind support and praise without knowing the facts will lead us to no where.

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Apr 13, 2014 08:51am

@sharouk..Please don't be appalled!.I am not arguing the merit and circumstances of his Presidency.I am taking to task the so called holier then thou judges,politicians and media those who discovered after he left office that there is something called LAW in this country and the "noble idea" that they will apply that LAW only to him. all i am saying is they are not standing up for there own stated "pledge" of up holding the LAW. applying the LAW only to him and not to his "accomplices" is TRAVESTY OF JUSTICE!!!.

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ahmad butt

Apr 13, 2014 08:57am

@Ayesha Khan: Same applies to all the politicians in the world really. First world countries have had their fair share of hypocrisies, the only difference is Pakistani politicians know their own citizens have similar qualities ( lying, forget the past, saluting the rising sun, and no law to counter check) so really we have reasons why the country is in this mess. Musharraf made a mistake coming back, if only he waited five years so that people would realise how PMLN and PTI performed and then made a decision to vote for his party.

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Apr 13, 2014 09:07am

@Air Cdre Arif Moinuddin..I agree with you!.(except the part about lie detector test...these days people can even fool even the lie detector test)

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AKA

Apr 13, 2014 09:32am

Govt must start accountability from its own home.

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Apr 13, 2014 09:42am

@Zobia Khan....Please don't let your personal feeling against him get the best of you.we are not talking about people who can not be apprehended or are not known.we are talking about active accomplices those who implemented his decisions or were part of decision making. they are available and constitution requires them to be indicted with him.even the one not available but known can be tried in absentia .

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Mohammed A. Sukhera

Apr 13, 2014 10:21am

@Air Cdre Arif Moinuddin: You are confusing the issue by mixing oranges and apples.The definition of a dictator is "a ruler with total power over a country, typically one who has obtained power by force." Military's job is to defend the country against foreign aggression and they are never trained to run the country. Military officers take oath at graduation time to uphold the constitution, stay away from country's politics and defend the country. He (Musharraf) abrogated the constitution , and put the civilian elected leaders behind bars. Did not he know the severity of the crime and the punishment? Thousand of young soldiers were killed without any air support.Only two to three commanders in his inner circle knew about his plan, others were kept in the dark.

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fida sayani

Apr 13, 2014 10:45am

@raj: these dictators also lost four wars and surrendered 90,000 in the 1971 war, and they thought they will conquer India like Mughal invaders.

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yusuf

Apr 13, 2014 10:47am

this wall should be built INSIDE his plot. NO point using public lands for this wall. This a common practice in many places in and around Islamabad, and should be stopped forthwith.

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sabeeh omer

Apr 13, 2014 11:02am

Who is Altaf Hussain trying to fool by saying that he would return to Pakistan any day? We all know better. He has enacted this drama several times in the past and then his followers advise him to keep away for fear of security. What a leader!

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Talha

Apr 13, 2014 11:13am

I don't support any of the three people mentioned in the article because their support for Musharraf is not based on their principles rather their hidden agendas. However, I support the idea that Musharraf is being treated in an unfair way. He deserves better. The real traitors, who loot and plunder, should be punished and humiliated.

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M S Sheikh

Apr 13, 2014 12:58pm

@ali: Mush had/has his own extremist party. Illegal takeover, selling of Pakistanis, organised killings of Pakistanis (Karachi 2007?) were the extreme acts. People talk of freedom of press. If the press was free then why they remained silent over torture of politicians by Mush? Why media came under attacks in Karachi and Islamabad? Answer: They were not free.

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Tausif

Apr 13, 2014 01:04pm

The so-called liberal intellectuals of Pakistan (I won't name Mullahs) have this itch to invite the military to take over every time there is a continuity in the democratic process. They tried to pull Kiani into a clash with the PPP's government from the day he took over. If there is any rule of law in this country, then a military general should be brought into the dock to face the charges of overthrowing a political govt and then continuing to play havoc with everything that came in his way in order to be able to rule for NINE years. It is very sad that people want to make a hero of Musharraf now and that the military considers an action against the lawbreaker as *Tazleel* of its *WAQAAR*?

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Apr 13, 2014 02:09pm

@Ravi Dallas TX: Those who have glass walls should not pelt stones on others. Why should I have to listen to Pakistani Media - I have relatives who live on both sides of the border, A Pakistani father and an Indian Mother. Take my two cents, do not listen to media on either side, do your own investigation starting pre-indian partition leading on to Kashmir, and then all will be clear on who imposed what.

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excalibur

Apr 13, 2014 02:11pm

Why have we forgotten another morally upright patriot supporting Musharraf, JAVED JABBAR who has the integrity to stand with the truth

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khanm

Apr 13, 2014 05:05pm

Only conclusion drawn after reading those comments

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Mohammed A. Sukhera

Apr 13, 2014 07:03pm

Altaf Hussan Chaudhry Shujaat and Dr Tahirul Qadri are the one who supported Musharraf during his dictatorial regime. No wonder they don't want any trial . They are as much guilty as Musharraf. They have no ethics and don't believe in rule of law and the constitution of the country. PML Q has been routed out in the elections, now he wants Musharraf to go free without the trial. Why we stop with Musharraf only,let us stop all the cases in the courts, empty out all our jails and let everyone go free. The poor people are in jails for lesser crimes but no trial for a dictator for treason?

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a.mujeeb khan

Apr 13, 2014 07:21pm

allama tahir should focus is own movement and forget altaf, mush and ch.this tringle is useless for pakistan. People listen me.look forward and be positive like proton!!!

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Formerly PPP

Apr 13, 2014 10:10pm

Taking a bold anti-establishment stance used to be the hallmark of PPP due to which it was once the most popular political party in Pakistan. But over the years it has been more of a subdued status quo party bowing down to establishment and continue to indulge in corruption (NLC, NICL, PIA, Pakistan Steel, Railway, DHA etc). On the other hand, PMLN has taken a very bold stance on various issues of national interest. While PPP has lost its credibility to withstand establishment, PMLN has emerged as the only strong & vibrant political party that is taming the rogue establishment and making new Pakistan. My well-deserved vote for PMLN in all times to come!

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ssf

Apr 13, 2014 11:56pm

@Kausar: The law must take its course as you said but it will not be without vengeous, Musharuf will never get a fair trial in Pakistan as long as the current adm. is in power as well as the judges who were affected by him.

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Najeeb Khalid

Apr 14, 2014 07:49am

@usman civil 01-08-2013: so usurping the constitution is not the gravest crime. It can be equated to other crimes. The nation has not understood that overthrow of a government by the army, no matter how bad the government might be, will only lead to short term stability and long term disaster. Till we understand this not much will get better.

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Amjad Wyne

Apr 14, 2014 11:06am

It was horribly unwise of Dawn to use the word, "Cronies" in the first place and it was truly shameless to change it to "allies". I still cannot understand if this is an Op-Ed, a report or a news.

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Amir Bangash

Apr 14, 2014 06:49pm

@Awan. You seem to be a stooge of enemies of Pakistan. You must have red my comments and want to tell you and other readers that i am a common civilian citizen of Pakistan and don,t post comment for changing opinions of others but want the people to know the facts.

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Khalid

Apr 14, 2014 08:49pm

@Air Cdre Arif Moinuddin: Couldn't agree more. You have said everything I wanted to say. I also believe the same sentiment is shared by most educated Pakistanis. Politicians have made a fool out of majority illiterates of our country by giving them "handouts" in the name of income support or distributed laptops with the hope that they can buy loyalties and sadly, they have.

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Shahpur

Apr 14, 2014 09:57pm

@Air Cdre Arif Moinuddin: Based on yours and related comments, it is now well settled that Pakistan Armed Forces should be "Permanent and Constitutional Part" of running Pakistan. This word Dictatorship should be forgotten forever. Because, if it is not a military Dictatorship, then it is the Dictatorship of Corrupt, Dishonest and Incompetent.

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Assad

Apr 15, 2014 12:29am

@ali: I, as a citizen of Pakistan, felt much safer during Musharraf's times than I have living under the rule these half dead goats (AAZ and NS)! I would prefer a more orderly, relatively more accommodating Pakistan of the day gone by than what I am exposed to now. All I have now is murder, mayhem, pilfer, hypocrisy all under the garb of a shameless democracy.

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Assad

Apr 15, 2014 12:45am

Dawn, This is another amazing example of your "journalistic integrity" when you title the article "old cronies campaign...". I wonder if you have the guts or the journalistic integrity to use the same language for your current masters at Raiwind and their henchmen since Pakistan of today is nothing but a land of incompetent cronies ruling the roost. What a shameful decline in your journalistic standards. Have some integrity and remove the bias against Musharraf in your reporting. I know its very hard to be upright when the advertising money can dry up for ticking off the Sharif clan, but such is expected of journalists, nothing less.

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