KARACHI: Former president retired Gen Pervez Musharraf has ruled out the practicality of the ‘western form of democracy’ in Pakistan.

In an interview on the BBC’s HARDtalk show on Tuesday, he said that democracy should be adapted according to the Pakistani environment and circumstances.

“You want to enforce your kind of democracy everywhere...this is not practical. Every nation has their own problems and circumstances, and every country should act according to its circumstances,” he said.

“I myself strongly believe in democracy, but I think here in Pakistan your London- or US-like democracy cannot be implemented.

“We should be democratic. We believe in democracy but we should mould it according to the Pakistani environment,” said the former army strongman, who is currently facing high treason charges in court for actions taken during his term in power.

Mr Musharraf claimed that the treason allegations against him were motivated by politics and revenge.

“These charges have been manufactured and they are politically motivated in every way. These are acts of vengeance and I am the target. I have faith that truth and justice will prevail,” he said.

Other than the treason charges, Mr Musharraf is also blamed for entering into a secret deal with the United States for allowing drone strikes in Pakistan.

The former president admitted that he had given permission for a US-led drone strike in the tribal areas during his term — an admission he has already made in earlier interviews.

“I said [yes] once, while during my time there were approximately nine drone attacks. I am only talking about one time — we did not have much time and there were clues [leading] to an important terrorist group, so we gave permission for [the] attack.”

Published in Dawn, November 26th, 2014