Musharraf summoned over Lal Masjid cleric's murder

E-Paper | April 30, 2026

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani court on Saturday said former military ruler General (retd) Pervez Musharraf must appear at a hearing in December over Lal Masjid cleric Ghazi Abdul Rasheed’s death during a bloody mosque siege, rejecting his fears over security.

Musharraf faces a string of court cases dating back to his 1999-2008 rule, including over the death of Ghazi, one of more than 100 people killed after Pakistani troops stormed the Red Mosque in Islamabad on July 10, 2007.

The mosque was the scene of a week-long military siege against radicals that unleashed a wave of militant attacks across Pakistan.

Musharraf's legal team has fought to avoid a court appearance over the case being pursued by Ghazi's family, citing ill health – he has been receiving treatment for heart problems – and security fears.

The former president narrowly escaped an apparent assassination attempt in Islamabad in April as a roadside bomb went off shortly before his convoy was due to pass.

Also read: Musharraf granted bail in Lal Masjid cleric's murder case

“The court has rejected the exemption plea of General Pervez Musharraf in the case regarding killing of Abdul Rasheed Ghazi and ordered him to appear on the next hearing of December 6,” Abdul Haq Malik, the lawyer representing the cleric's son Haron-ur-Rashid Ghazi, told AFP.

Musharraf's lawyer said the former leader had not been satisfied with the security arrangements for the hearing, adding that the court has now ordered police to provide details for the ex-army chief's appearance in the court.

“We had requested the court to exempt General Musharraf for appearance in the court on medical grounds and security fears, because Islamabad's police have not responded to our request about security arrangements,” said Musharraf's lawyer Akhtar Shah.

“The judge rejected our plea but also ordered police to provide security details.”

Musharraf also faces treason charges over his imposition of emergency rule in 2007 – a historic first in a country ruled for half its existence by the military.

He further faces murder accusations over the 2006 death of Baloch leader Nawab Akbar Bugti and the 2007 assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

In June, the Supreme Court suspended a decision which would have allowed Musharraf to leave the country.

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Muslim

Nov 08, 2014 06:24pm

Musharraf did what India did in golden temple. He should have avoided attack. This mistake costs pakistan dearly.

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Ganga Din

Nov 08, 2014 06:28pm

What illness is he going to claim now? He's been sitting a long time.

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Krishna Prasad

Nov 08, 2014 06:36pm

General (retd) Pervez Musharraf should be applauded for getting rid of Lal Masjid radicals in the difficult times when these thugs have violated the laws of courts and government and tried to impose their own version to the detriment of each and everyone in your motherland. Hopefully, the case gets dismissed for his sincere services to the nation. Some wrong doings by dismissing courts may not be right. However, that shouldn't be the yardstick to hound him every now and then.

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neo

Nov 08, 2014 06:38pm

it was not a murder ... army doesn't murder enemies of state ... it neutralizes such elements. media makes a mockery of everything even when crystal clear.

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imran ali

Nov 08, 2014 06:45pm

this the reason pakistan not able to control militancy .....

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Shamsher singh bajwa

Nov 08, 2014 06:47pm

@Muslim I have always made that's comparison! And just like military action was needed in order to flush out extremists and terrorists from golden temple it was also needed in lal masjid!

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Bill

Nov 08, 2014 06:52pm

He has been hiding behind his 'illness' for about an year now, how much longer the 'lion of Pakistan'.

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Ganga Din

Nov 08, 2014 06:57pm

@neo : Do you have a proof that they were enemies of state? If the state defines anti-state activity and then goes and 'neutralizes' those 'elements', that's called murder of your own citizens.

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Ghani K

Nov 08, 2014 07:03pm

Biggest mistake of his life - NRO, which paved the way for Sharifs , Benazir , Zardari to return to Pakistan. Now usual game of political vengeance has started. We might disagree with his other political actions but he was 100% right when he tried to burn hornet nest of (Lal Masjid).

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Samir

Nov 08, 2014 07:03pm

thumbs up for rule of law. May I humbly ask that does our worthy judges or judicial system has the courage and resolve to call those responsible for killing of Army colonel, two other officers, Rangers sepoy and army soldiers? Or killing security forces persons is justied by the militants?

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Babay

Nov 08, 2014 07:04pm

That is tribute offered to a brave soldier and the unmatched leader who promoted the culture of freedom of expression and developed independent media iin the country. Such a treatment given to him is regretful and condemned.

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Aysha

Nov 08, 2014 07:05pm

Imagine a scenario, A masjid in the middle of a capital, full of weapons being used against the govt and innocent citizens. When terrorists from that masjid are confronted by the govt and some of the terrorists got killed, the MAN who took the action against them is summoned to court to JUSTIFY killing of the terrorist. And killers like Qadri are showerd with rose pettals These two scenarios describe Pakistan's justice system very well.

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Aysha

Nov 08, 2014 07:08pm

Musharaf is summoned to the court to justify killing of lal masjid TERRORISTS? Why did these terrorist have so many weapons, arms and ammunition inside a masjid?

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AJamal

Nov 08, 2014 07:18pm

Shame on the judiciary for even entertaining such frivolous cases? Is the State supposed to watch these terrorists helplessly?

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r.s.soni

Nov 08, 2014 07:26pm

sir, lal masjid clerics challenged writ of the state. they defied government orders and challenged it. it was a fort of extremism and terrorism in the heart of city. honourable judges think general musharaf should have sat on haunches in front of clerics. musharaf did write thing to defend pakistan integrity. what about pak soldiers killed by clerics before storming. were they not pakistanis.?. the whole shoddy affair of trial of general musharaf will invite marshal law. honourable judges and pp will face music

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anwar rathore

Nov 08, 2014 07:36pm

What murder? It was a law and order operation to restore to the government a government property that was being seriously misused by a government appointee who used religion as a cover. I am sorry that the man got killed, but he should have followed the law.

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Karachi Wala

Nov 08, 2014 07:37pm

Musharraf should be instead tried for waiting way too long before launching an operation LAL Masjid clean up.

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reality bites

Nov 08, 2014 07:44pm

This PML-N conspiracy to avenge against its own military during extremist incidents all around us shows how blind they ((Sharifs) are in the hatred of Musharraf. The judges are mostly cowards when it comes to antagonizing the religious groups. Appeasing these extremists when what is required right now is to send a strong message against extremists. Instead of hanging the killer of Salman Taseer and blasphemy murderers of innocent people, this government is focused on appeasing these extremist outfits. Hopeless Pakistan.

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Sarwat

Nov 08, 2014 07:49pm

fools need to wake up, these terrorists are the reason we have so many problems. Look at IS making its headway in our country. We need leaders like Musharraf who can deal with these elements with with an iron fist.

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Sarwat

Nov 08, 2014 07:53pm

@Ghani K In reality all the Lal masjids across the country should be demolished as these are not mosques anymore but rather terrorists' grooming centers.

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Saima Bibi

Nov 08, 2014 08:01pm

I don't like Musharraf. However, the Cleric of Lal Masjid committed an act of treason against the state of Pakistan by declaring Caliphate in Islamabad. What were so much arms doing inside a Mosque? These people were clearly terrorists. Musharraf did exactly the right against by eliminating them. It is completely nonsense to hold govt official on murder charges for defending the state. As president of the nation, the leader has to make the hard calls, right or wrong.

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W.Shaikh

Nov 08, 2014 08:02pm

It is regrettable to read some of the comments. Some people don't have any clue about the legal, moral, or geopolitical aspects of this issue but willing to make comments any way. I am deeply concerned about the ignorance expressed by the so called educated and moderate elites of Pakistan on this forum. How can we build a nation when elite class of our society does not understand the issues on hand and but still fees very proud to exhibit their ignorance? Come on guys. Wake up. This is 21st century. Grow up.

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Amjad Wyne

Nov 08, 2014 08:09pm

@Ganga Din Whether they were anti-state or not, they fought against and killed personnel of the Pakistan army (by the way they were - they were abducting people, hey had heavy weapons inside a mosque, they were threatening everyone, including the government, running parallel courts and their own way of justice)... Pakistan may be the only country that let them do that for so long. No one will tolerate this kind of a behavior.

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muhammad

Nov 08, 2014 08:10pm

Musharraf should be hanged for this heinous crime he tried to clear the capital city Islamabad of terrorists, he tried to save this country from terrorists like ISIS, he tried to save the innocent lives which is totally against the distorted version of islam, he tried to maintain the writ of government, he tried to save Pakistan which is his biggest crime and few terrorists loving people would be very happy to hear this news

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ismail

Nov 08, 2014 08:11pm

Our courts and judges of such smaller courts are insane. How can President of a country be responsible for this incident. There were terrorists hiding in mosque and the attack was by army and not Musharraf. This is nothing but the mockery of law and courts. Sorry to use such words.

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muhammad

Nov 08, 2014 08:14pm

@Ganga Din Then why they were hoarding arms and ammunition in a "seminary" what the known terrorists were doing there ? if they were innocent then why the refused to surrender ? and why they asked for free passage ?

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Jawad

Nov 08, 2014 08:34pm

@Ganga Din If not enemy of estate then how come and why they had all that ammunition in the mosque.

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Sunil

Nov 08, 2014 08:35pm

Still he will getaway, because he has reasons, to tell the judge, that he served the nation as a soldier, made sacrifices.

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neeraj

Nov 08, 2014 08:35pm

On this one I support Musharaf though he is a liar

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Jawad

Nov 08, 2014 08:36pm

@Samir Now you are asking too much.

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Muhammad

Nov 08, 2014 08:49pm

@r.s.soni " Honorable judges" are paid employees of Sharif Inc.

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Ahmed

Nov 08, 2014 08:52pm

These courts have nothing better to do then order Musharraf to court, that someone who actually took a bold stance against these terrorists wanting to take Pakistan back in their barbaric stone ages, killing, kidnapping civilians at will. Why is this even murder when these terrorists were challenging the write of Pakistan Government of the time? When they killed a Pakistan Army soldier? When they were kidnapping people for whatever reason they thought was right? While LeJ, JundUllah etc terrorists roam free, or are released for lack of evidence. What amazing justice!?? Story of Pakistan

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Syed Zaheer Ali

Nov 08, 2014 08:53pm

Terrorists in any form or function should be eliminated as soon as possible, if they challenge the sitting government and its people. President Musharraf waited about a week to start operation, but well armed people inside, refused to obey the order. Though it was sad that so many people died including army personal. The responsibility lies directly on Ghazi brothers. As a matter of fact the living brother should be tried for creating such a horrible situation costing so many lives.

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Akhtar

Nov 08, 2014 08:53pm

What message does this send to terrorists ? Musharraf did what he had to do. There should be zero tolerance to those who attack the state and break laws. Time Nawaz stopped pursuing his personal revenge tactics against an Ex-President.

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Waseem

Nov 08, 2014 08:53pm

Lal Masjid was a common man's masjid. It was my masjid too. But mullah like these and their father tern it into centre of hatred and fear. I thank Musharraf million times for taking this initiative to eliminate all these mullahs as well as those who occupy land illegally to have free residence in Islamabad.

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TooTrue

Nov 08, 2014 09:06pm

How was this murder? The man had held the capital hostage. The one good that Musharraf did.

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Nov 08, 2014 09:14pm

As President, Musharraf Government did what it was supposed to do. As a matter of fact his action against the militants/extremists was delayed at the Lal Masjid. Court case against him is a clear political victimization. If the Court was unbiased, it should have rejected the petition against Musharraf

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A Ali

Nov 08, 2014 09:19pm

@Krishna Prasad ........... they were right or wrong is another debate however you must show respect for religious clerics and dont call them thugs please..........

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fida sayani

Nov 08, 2014 09:31pm

@Bill The lion of Pakistan is a drawing room lion and not the King of Jungle.

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fida sayani

Nov 08, 2014 09:33pm

@Ganga Din Musharaf is the enemy of state, who handed over Pakistan nationals to foreign powers for the bounty money. This is his claim to make himself famous.

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M. Siddique

Nov 08, 2014 09:33pm

The action against Lal Masjid group was the only correct action Musharaf took. Too bad he waited too long to punish

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Nadir Aziz

Nov 08, 2014 09:36pm

@Aysha Very True.

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Mohammad's

Nov 08, 2014 09:39pm

Musharraf should also have taken similar action against the judiciary. The biggest existential threat to country

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Ahmer

Nov 08, 2014 09:44pm

Musharraf will never appear in the court. There is no dearth of ailments his doctor can add in his medical certificate.

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syed baqar ahsan

Nov 08, 2014 09:51pm

now sick of these clerics they don't know themselves on whose mission they were working but one thing appeared cleared ie image of Islam has been spoiled badly

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optimist

Nov 08, 2014 09:58pm

This is a joke. The Pakistan judicial system is becoming a laughing stock all over the world. The courts have not yet started the investigation on Model Town FIR or the election rigging. Did anyone ever sue the Lal Masjid cleric who challenged the writ of the government in 2007.

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Parvez

Nov 08, 2014 09:58pm

Musharraf's mistake like most other things he did......was to do thing by half measure.

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syed baqar ahsan

Nov 08, 2014 09:59pm

@Muslim- this attack delayed for nine months Imam e Kaaba was called but those who were hiding in basement were the paid terrorist there mission was to but complete Islamabad on FIRE,Musharraf did wonderful job,media- GEO-projected it as told to declare Pakistan a failed state but we were knowing it well Mashallah still surviving as a nuclear state-western mission failed.

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ucky Star

Nov 08, 2014 10:00pm

All the troubles through which Pakistan is goning through now becasue of ill decision of Musharraf taking over Pakistan and removing the legit governmnet of NS, and this simple thing supporters of Musahrraf don't get it. He should have resigned from the job in 1999 like Hazrat khalid accepted demotion from commnnder to an ordinary in Caliph Umar's time.

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Seedoo

Nov 08, 2014 10:08pm

@A Ali I will take Krishna's side here for calling a spade a spade. Your unflinching support for the mullahs is the reason where Pakistan is today. Wake up and become an independent thinker. Respect is earned not deserved. No matter what title you carry, if you conduct yourself like a thug, you are a thug.

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Mustafa

Nov 08, 2014 10:16pm

@Ganga Din " that's called murder of your own citizens." Somehow murder of our citizens is mourned more by our enemies than ourselves. Mud-dai susth, Gawah chusth.

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Manu

Nov 08, 2014 10:24pm

If some one could take Pakistan in better condition, it was Mussaraff. Actually he was the only politician from Pakistan who tried to solve the kashmir instead of playing politics like NS

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Khalid

Nov 08, 2014 10:38pm

Lal Masjid so called cleric was a terrorist and an enemy of Pakistan. Don't make him a another hero.

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Warrior Bin Qasim

Nov 08, 2014 10:56pm

Courts somehow want him out on the street so he becomes an easy target for terrorists. See how twisted our court system is?

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Zarb-e-Azb

Nov 08, 2014 11:31pm

That disappointing moment when soldiers are held accountable for killing terrorists while these animals can roam around freely, killing anyone they please to kill.

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Zarb-e-Azb

Nov 08, 2014 11:33pm

@Ganga Din Armed struggle against the Armed Forces of Pakistan..Yeah right, that doesn't sound very anti-state to me. Where do you get your information from, Banana News Channel?

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Anon

Nov 08, 2014 11:38pm

Speaks a lot about the justice system in Pakistan. Too often, terrorists are relieved because of 'lack of evidence' against them whereas people who get out of their comfort zone to serve the nation are charged with murder. Murder? Killing the likes of those in the Red Mosque should be praised and awarded, not charged with murder!

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BRIJ

Nov 09, 2014 12:00am

@Muslim India is always in Mind. Obsession?

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BRIJ

Nov 09, 2014 12:02am

@Ghani K yes

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tariq

Nov 09, 2014 12:07am

Its surprising to see everyone assuming madrassa students as terrorists. If thats the case musharraf is also a terrorist for killing them. The students paid fir their 'crimes'. Its musharraf's turn now.

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Asif

Nov 09, 2014 12:29am

@Krishna Prasad . Good written . Well done

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Denali

Nov 09, 2014 12:52am

Musharraf was right. He should be applauded for enforcing the writ of state. As long as PK continues to give relevance to terrorists, PK will not have any law and order - case in point murderers like Qadri, murderers of the christian couple - the list goes on. As long as the state does not enforce its own laws, PK will not have any law and order.

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Naseer

Nov 09, 2014 01:18am

@W.Shaikh Sir, you are doing exactly what our politicians do. Lots of words and no substance, just empty words without any meaning.

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Ganga Din

Nov 09, 2014 01:19am

@Ahmer : What kind of a commando is he? Why can't he escape from his house?

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Irfan Baloch

Nov 09, 2014 01:26am

disgraceful simply disgraceful this government settling personal scores and the Judges playing along while butchers, lynchers and rapists walk free

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qaiser

Nov 09, 2014 01:30am

@W.Shaikh are you for or against Musharraf.

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MSAlvi

Nov 09, 2014 01:33am

If Musharraf was in power today, the incidence of burning the christian couple would not have taken place. The present government is partner of all crimes in Pakistan. GO-NAWAZ-GO.

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Aly khan

Nov 09, 2014 01:36am

Nothing will happen now as army generals and ex army are above law in Pakistan Judges are too week to challenge any wrong doing Such a shame

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Khan Irshad

Nov 09, 2014 01:38am

@Krishna Prasad, I appreciate your honest views, I hope every sensible Pakistani feels the same as you are. It is bizarre that terrorist Molana Abdul Aziz of Lal Masjid is walking free while Musharaf is facing charges.

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KHK

Nov 09, 2014 01:40am

@Samir Shame on you, you are telling the courts what to do?

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A shah

Nov 09, 2014 02:01am

The biggest traitor around!

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Maqsood Ahmed

Nov 09, 2014 02:17am

I really applaud what Musharraf did for Pakistan, He apprised our economy got recognition for Pakistan at International Level as top US and Western Ally.But this is just one side of the story, Musharraf started a protracted chain of events which regressed Pakistan to almost 50 years. It is because of his downward steps taken, devoid of any future consequences that today Pakistan has fallen prey to the scourge of terrorism. His tenure in practical theory costed Pakistan dearly and left a daunting imprint on what could have been true years of ENLIGHTENMENT.

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Maqsood Ahmed

Nov 09, 2014 02:20am

@Babay unmatched leader and free media - Oh My God, It was Musharraf who ordered attack and arson on media houses after the dismissal of CJ Iftikhar Chaudhary. Musharraf had only deranged the country into delipidation and remiss

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deva

Nov 09, 2014 02:33am

masjid etc needs to be of personal and low priority things, they should not dictate. faith should be personal and not to be shown on road. in my view mush was right to control.

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Imran

Nov 09, 2014 02:39am

Is'nt this mullah brother is openly supporting Taliban who are killing Pakistanis??

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vsh

Nov 09, 2014 02:44am

Atlast Justic prevail . He should be punished if he committed crime. He's just given summons. so no worries for his fans.

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Arshad A Patel, W.Chester,Oh, USA

Nov 09, 2014 03:06am

@Ganga Din The Pakistan Army waited and waited for more than a week, negotiating with the militants before the action was taken. You can read the Statement from 'DAWN": "The mosque was the scene of a week-long military siege against radicals that unleashed a wave of militant attacks across Pakistan". What do you say about the current situation? Hundreds of Christians and Hazaras are being killed either by the police or under the police supervision ? What do you say about the continuous killings/encounters in Lyari ? Has anybody so far indicted CM Sindh, CM Balochistan or CM Punjab so far ? Why is Nawaz Sharif being spared as all the provinces come under his direct control ? Whatsoever is going on in the courts is just revenge under the supervision and direct orders of Nawaz Sharif.

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kirther

Nov 09, 2014 03:29am

Lal Masjid cleric Ghazi Abdul Rasheed was a criminal like the sitting PML-N government in Punjab who are responsible for terrorizing innocent people and organizing the murder of several innocent people in Lahore, how can they deliver justice, even Pakistani courts have acted selectively in cases where civilian governments are involved. General Musharraf acted correctly because people remember seeing pictures of terrorist occupying the Red Mosque on cover page of international magazine.

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Silvan

Nov 09, 2014 04:45am

If judges wants to try Musharraf for murder, they shall also try Nawaz Sharif for conducting military operations and murdering terrorists in Pakistan's frontier areas. What a non sense.

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mohammad shafique

Nov 09, 2014 05:04am

why is he asking for more security arrangements than he provided benazir bhutto with ?

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Nov 09, 2014 05:37am

@Ganga Din ...People who challenge state writ become enemies of state!.there is proof that the government at the time asked them to leave premises,they were given warnings of police or army action and they refused!!!. there should have been more action against these kind of people!!!.OPERATION ZARB e AZB HAS VINDICATED the actions taken by the government at time!!!.the country has been paying the price for cajoling these kind of extremists!!!.

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Agha Asad Raza

Nov 09, 2014 06:00am

@Krishna Prasad So true!

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Agha Asad Raza

Nov 09, 2014 06:01am

@Samir You are so right!

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Agha Asad Raza

Nov 09, 2014 06:02am

@Aysha That is so very right. These people were simply terrorist using Islam and the mosque as a weapon!

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Hakim

Nov 09, 2014 06:44am

A) Please leave India out of it, B) Mushraf has done a great job which non of the cowards can ever done.

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max

Nov 09, 2014 08:25am

This is great news. It will be great if Musharraf goes to jail for this crime. It will be a great irony...after supporting islamists, he gets caught in their trap !

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javed qamar

Nov 09, 2014 09:11am

if musharraf was right on killing in Lal masjid and a true muslim soldier ? why he need security ? why is afraid of get killed by some one ? he is the enemy of state, who handed over Pakistan brother/sister/mothers to foreign powers for the bounty money.

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M. Jan

Nov 09, 2014 09:11am

Musharraf made several mistakes during his dictatorship but raiding Lal Masjid was not one of them. If anything, he should have acted earlier. The authorities should be pursuing the remaining foreign funded mercenaries who took the Capital hostage for months using brainwashed vulnerable young people from disadvantaged socioeconomic background instead of Musharraf. It was a matter of national security and no one should get political mileage out of it.

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javed qamar

Nov 09, 2014 09:12am

@Akhtar really do you thing there is some that we called it "LAW" in pakistan ?

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Nov 09, 2014 09:39am

What a country where leaders of a country are being harassed for taking down terrorists.............shame on the judge who accepted this stupid case

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ShahrukhKhan

Nov 09, 2014 12:35pm

Mush is waiting for IK to become PM so that he can be pardoned. I think places for worship shouldn't be attacked.

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Mahrukh

Nov 10, 2014 12:21pm

Only one question, why did Lal masjid have tons of ammunition inside? What is the purpose of AK-47s in a mosque?? Pakistan judiciary is making a mockery of itself. And these kinds of people are the protectors are our rights then God bless us.

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