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KARACHI: Former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf left for Dubai early Friday morning, hours after the interior ministry issued a notification to remove his name from the exit control list (ECL).
Before leaving, Musharraf told a DawnNews correspondent, "I am a commando and I love my homeland. I will come back in a few weeks or months."
Editorial: Musharraf’s latest coup
The former president, vowing to face all pending cases against him, said he was keeping himself abreast with developments in the country and will actively take part in politics after his return.
Musharraf said he was going abroad to seek "medical treatment of a decade-old illness which has now developed several complications."
On Thursday, Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan announced at a press conference that the government had decided to allow Musharraf to travel abroad for treatment after the Supreme Court lifted a ban on Musharraf's foreign travel a day ago.
According to the minister, Musharraf had committed to facing all cases against him in court and had "promised to return in four to six weeks."
Dr Amjad, the senior vice-president of All Pakistan Muslim League, the political party founded and led by Musharraf, insisted that the former president was leaving the country "just for medical treatment."
Farogh Naseem, Musharraf’s counsel, had also earlier said his client needed to go abroad to "undergo a surgery for a fractured vertebra," treatment for which he said "is not available in Pakistan."
Musharraf, who is facing a treason trial for clamping emergency in the country on Nov 3, 2007, was barred from travelling abroad after his name was placed on the ECL on Apr 5, 2013.
The former dictator is scheduled to record his statement to a special three-judge court on Mar 31 in the treason case against him.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (131) Closed
Mar 18, 2016 04:27am
Get well soon General we love you and we know you will inshallah come back.
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Mar 18, 2016 04:28am
Medical Treatment, yeah right !
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Mar 18, 2016 04:28am
He says few weeks or few months. Which may mean 30-40 weeks or 30-40 months. Thankfully he did not include "few years"
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Mar 18, 2016 04:29am
Good Job done Ch Nisar. The only person in Pakistan politics who is not into taking revenge.
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Mar 18, 2016 04:29am
Get well soon General. It is ironic that people who spent whole of their life fighting and serving Pakistan are being victimized by fools and corrupts. Whether you come back or not, your government era is regarded as the best till now. God be with you.
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Mar 18, 2016 04:36am
This is not a simple decision. Mega intrigue and plan of the positive type. The changes in the next 6 months will hopefully be the start of the rise of Pakistan, as all moderates and sane people would like to see.
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Mar 18, 2016 04:37am
He's not coming back
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Mar 18, 2016 04:44am
Even though all the cases against Musharraf are politically motivated I do not understand why the elite in Pakistan have to go abroad for all kinds of medical treatments when we have such good doctors, especially in the military hospitals.
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Mar 18, 2016 04:44am
Wish Mr. Musharraf good health and full recovery... As a soldier he did a great job defending our nation on all fronts... National reconciliation efforts worked after all... Kudos to PM, COAS and their respective teams…
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Mar 18, 2016 04:45am
Shame
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Mar 18, 2016 04:50am
Go, Went, Goooooone!
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Mar 18, 2016 04:51am
I will miss you, I probably will never see you again.
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Mar 18, 2016 04:54am
Honest is misfit in Pakistan
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Mar 18, 2016 04:57am
God bless him. Truly a brave and sincere leader. He returned once and will return again InshAllah
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Mar 18, 2016 04:58am
Only person I have ever seen in Pakistan who meets the international standards of ethics, integrity, honesty and commitment. He will come back if he says so. Other Pakistani politicians should learn from him instead of cowardly attacking him in groups. I am sure not even one politician can stand in front of him alone. Battle between a lion and hayenas.
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Mar 18, 2016 04:59am
Commando could not face even terribly weak justice system of his own country.
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Mar 18, 2016 05:06am
He is committed man.
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Mar 18, 2016 05:15am
He owns respect for our country...
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Mar 18, 2016 05:22am
Wish you speedy recovery and come back with vengeance to take care of unfinished business, you have done a lot for the country.
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Mar 18, 2016 05:24am
Inshallaha best of luck great Musharraf ,,,,
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Mar 18, 2016 05:25am
Get well soon, Sir
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Mar 18, 2016 05:25am
We need better healthcare facilities in the country; so that all the big shots can get treatment at their doorsteps without having to go abroad for "medical reasons "
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Mar 18, 2016 05:25am
Absolutely. That what he said last time.
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Mar 18, 2016 05:29am
A soft escape...
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Mar 18, 2016 05:31am
Thousands time salutes for Commando.
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Mar 18, 2016 05:31am
Good news
Our nation do not deserve him
He spent his whole life for Country but we did not gave him back
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Mar 18, 2016 05:36am
Yeah, for sure, he will return in a few weeks, or months, or in your lifetime (or his), when the conditions are favourable for his government to be formed.
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Mar 18, 2016 05:39am
Good luck General. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Please come back as we need you.
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Mar 18, 2016 05:39am
"I am a commando and I love my homeland. I will come back in a few weeks or months."- It probably will be few months, may be a year or two. As regards to commando, we know enough.
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Mar 18, 2016 05:47am
Always wonder what a city of a small country has where every elite of Pakistan eager to have medical check up, that a country of 200 million people with the best minds and best doctors in the world can't offer !
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Mar 18, 2016 05:49am
He aint coming back.
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Mar 18, 2016 05:53am
General Pervez Musharraf you are a soldier first, politician later, we repose trust in your words of a soldier who has promised to return home honorably and face charges, and get-over it(All cases and pending in the courts/face charges) like a brave soldier,"Musharraf told a DawnNews correspondent, "I am a commando and I love my homeland. I will come back in a few weeks or months." Bon vo·yage, Former President and General (Retired) Pervez Musharraf. Prove it to the Pakistani's and to the world that you really went abroad to, "undergo a surgery for a fractured vertebra," treatment for which he said "is not available in Pakistan."And that will make you man of your words and a future hero of Pakistani political party.
Your words will make you and APML a future political party to reckon with and make a huge difference in political system of Pakistani comman-mans life and its trust in political leadership.
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Mar 18, 2016 06:03am
What an irony. A man who fought 3 wars for his motherland and countless operations as a highly decorated commando and general has no place in his own country for him. This seems more like an army pressured political way out but I'm glad as a Pakistani that his ordeal is over. Regardless of personal differences in politics, the treason cases against him should never have come up as they made no sense. If only him and Imran khan for along, that would have been an epic combination of a visionary and a realistic leadership. Together they would and could take Pakistan to a level of development that we have not witnessed in our 70years.
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Mar 18, 2016 06:10am
it looks like something big is about to happened.
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Mar 18, 2016 06:14am
Dubai??!!. I thought he must be going to the USA (Where his son is in California or Boston, where his daughter is)!!. Dubai is not known for Medicine or Medical treatment. Something funny or fishy here!!.
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Mar 18, 2016 06:22am
Great news about Musharraf leaving the country as the country does not deserve a brave, honest and patriotic man. As this is not an honest man's country the only way you can survive in Pakistan is if you are corrupt.
You deserve what you have. Enjoy!!
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Mar 18, 2016 06:24am
Why not seek medical care in Pakistan, unless Pakistan does not have the required equipment then it makes sense. Almost all politicians of our country fly to other continents for the smallest treatments.
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Mar 18, 2016 06:26am
How weak we humans are?
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Mar 18, 2016 06:29am
@oz ... yes, unfortunately our politics is based upon muk muka
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Mar 18, 2016 06:34am
What's wrong with medical system in Pakistan? Why all the big boys going overseas for treatment? How about rest of the citizens of Pakistan? Do they all go to Dubai too? Do you see something wrong with this picture? Sixty nine years after this wonderful country was created the AMM ADMI still living in worst conditions then he was before 1947. Shame on the power brokers and the leaders:(
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Mar 18, 2016 06:38am
Yes, "I will come back in a few weeks or a few months or a few years or a few decades" , but I will come back, perhaps feet first.
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Mar 18, 2016 06:43am
He said bye Pakistan and my cases.
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Mar 18, 2016 06:46am
Next destination is UK or US. He will be keep talking about Pakistan Politics while in self exile.
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Mar 18, 2016 06:58am
Why no good hospitals for treatment? Common man has to go outside for same.
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Mar 18, 2016 07:20am
@Ahmed USA - Well said and agreed.
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Mar 18, 2016 07:21am
@Hassan Kamal - Well said and agreed.
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Mar 18, 2016 07:22am
as if there is no medical treatment available in Pakistan ......
what a joke!
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Mar 18, 2016 07:22am
Who wants to bet that commando is not coming back till next election, if at all
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Mar 18, 2016 07:23am
Medical treatment in Dubai? Really ? Is Dubai, a known destination for medical treatment ?
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Mar 18, 2016 07:24am
I respected this man until now. When millions cannot get any medical assistance our brave commando is leaving the country to get treatment abroad.
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Mar 18, 2016 07:25am
The only genuine leader in Pakistan from a corrupt lot.
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Mar 18, 2016 07:29am
Good bye general!
At last NS govt bowed down
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Mar 18, 2016 07:39am
Great News Get well soon
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Mar 18, 2016 07:40am
" I 'll be Back "
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Mar 18, 2016 07:42am
If the Mr Musharraf cant get decent medical treatment in Pakistan where will average citizens go
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Mar 18, 2016 07:46am
He is not coming back ever
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Mar 18, 2016 07:54am
Gen (Retd.) Musharaf serve the Nation for 45 Years as Army Men save us from Threats. He initiated the Modernization of Military power e.g. JF 17 Thunder Project, Al Khalid, Al Zarrar Tanks, ANZA Air Defence, M109 Artiliry Guns, ATGMs, Agosta 90B Submarines, Efficient Missile series. He Make economy strong, and reduce the Forign Debt. Nation have great Respect to him..
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Mar 18, 2016 07:58am
Time will tell us if the General is a man of his words.
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Mar 18, 2016 08:12am
Pakistan must be the only nation that dishes out this kind of sordid treatment to its heroes an patriots. Shameful does not even begin to describe the manner in which he has been hounded merely because he had the courage of convictions and was determined to make Pakistan a better place. Sad, very sad.
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Mar 18, 2016 08:12am
When in power Pakistani rulers are healthy and happy; when out of power and in court, they pretend to be sick!!! It is sickening to see these openly deceitful tactics.
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Mar 18, 2016 08:21am
Is it only commandos who love their homeland?
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Mar 18, 2016 08:24am
Our leaders are so fragile that they can not be treated in Pakistan.
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Mar 18, 2016 08:27am
Will he come back or not, it doesnt matter now. He once come back despite all odds which shows his courage, that is enough test as far as his only courage is concerned.
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Mar 18, 2016 08:29am
His departure is a blessings in disguise for Pakistan and it's still to have roots democratic set up. His trial had the potential to create storm in Pakistan any time. Worst kind of civilian set up in Pakistan is better than autocracy. Autocratic rule in Pakistan has brought its federation to its thinnest limits.
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Mar 18, 2016 08:34am
We hope you will be fine soon and serve our nation as before. Unluckily Pakistan is in miserable condition in all respect. According to transparency international and Pakistani local unbiased expert,
Pakistan's economy is on a sand castle, terrorism is unstoppable chain reaction, corruption is part of social life in all department. No policy for Education, Industrialization, Agricultural development, Power generation, dam construction, health and hospitals management, Family planning. All govt. ministers are busy with TV programs and question/answer session.
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Mar 18, 2016 08:41am
Good work done, not by his doctors but his legal team... Making a flight was his only option...bravo general!
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Mar 18, 2016 08:46am
PervezMusharraf all da world pin dropp silence whenever,wherever exchief n expresident speaks during his service. hi koi mushraaf jisa???
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Mar 18, 2016 08:50am
A man who evaded court-proceedings to fly two-hours flight to Islamabad, citing his poor health-condition, is now alright to take flight to Dubai (the UAE). Whatever happened to 'Pakistan First'!
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Mar 18, 2016 09:03am
we do not have such specialist, where is health minister and PMDC.
"to go abroad to "undergo a surgery for a fractured vertebra," treatment for which he said "is not available in Pakistan."
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Mar 18, 2016 09:04am
I think he is the most sincere and a brave person still respected by other leaders of the world. He is because he was in the army, not like all these fly-by-night leaders we have croaking in Pakistan. I attended one of his lectures in Dallas, a few years back, and I asked him if he would go back? to which he said, Pakistan is the only country I know and served, how can I abandon my motherland. Even though a lot of people were advising him against it, but he went back, to be house arrested.
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Mar 18, 2016 09:30am
Musharaff a highly principled man of integrity. He wuld most certainly return although after months rather than weeks.
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Mar 18, 2016 09:38am
@Naveed Jafri he was still brave enough when he came back. No one can even touch him
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Mar 18, 2016 09:47am
Government had no choice,
They had to allow him to go abroad.
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Mar 18, 2016 09:49am
Great to see his back. These people have destroyed Pakistan.Arrogant to his bones.
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Mar 18, 2016 09:50am
A perfect example of "MIGHT IS RIGHT"
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Mar 18, 2016 09:53am
Musharraf didn't play with cubs to become brave instead he played with guns and bullets. He is man of his words not coward so he will be back. I wish him health.
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Mar 18, 2016 09:58am
Musharraf Zindabad
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Mar 18, 2016 10:07am
Get well soon. Tit for tat is what he had done at that time. He was forced to give resign so same he did with tjem at that time. What wrong sid he do. Anybody who is against him, just put yourself in his shoes and answer what you could have done if you were him.
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Mar 18, 2016 10:11am
And you'll never see him again.
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Mar 18, 2016 10:15am
Dubai is a place to party and surely a place get treated for regional political headaches.he will be up in EMMAR boulevard enjoying the view .
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Mar 18, 2016 10:15am
He is a man of commitment.He is sincere, honest and none of his family members are in politics.He is an ideal person to lead this country and the nation has started comparing his good qualities with his opponents(corrupt and incompetent)as well as the progress in the country in his era 2000-2007 and thereafter.So Mr Musharraf is surely going to come back to lead this country as we are tired of corrupt and incompetent so called leaders.
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Mar 18, 2016 10:18am
Faceless system - alas....
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Mar 18, 2016 10:19am
I do NOT believe he is coming back to Pakistan.
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Mar 18, 2016 10:19am
if the biggest accused has set free, then why others in jail for so called "accountability"let free the rest of the lot for medical asylum in Dubai. one message is clear and loud "Might is Right"
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Mar 18, 2016 10:24am
@Uncle_Sam then why Zardari said he is getting treatment in New York and Nawaz went to UK for simple heart procedure. If they both stay in Pakistan for treatment, then keep Musharaf here as well, if not then don't complain on him leaving.
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Mar 18, 2016 10:24am
Bon voyage!
Stand at ease!
Yeah, man, those old war injuries are a real pain.
Some good Rest & recreation in the sunny Dubai could be the tonic you need!
Also, now would be a good time to catch-up on reminiscing & lunching with x-PPP president AAZ.
Time to buy any available beach-front farmland haveli.
No worries! No hurry!
Enjoy the sunshine!
Best regards!
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Mar 18, 2016 10:25am
@Sarah yes, ofcourse, right.
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Mar 18, 2016 10:25am
@Naveed Jafri yes he is. He will prepare for next general election.
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Mar 18, 2016 10:33am
@Vasan
He has every right to!
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Mar 18, 2016 10:52am
There are all medical treatment is present in pakistan but a person who could afford the foreign medical treatment then there is no law to him. As much as I learnt the character the Pervez Musharraf sahib he will come back.
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Mar 18, 2016 10:57am
@AAK
true.
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Mar 18, 2016 11:14am
I will be back....
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Mar 18, 2016 11:21am
@K.Shah If ex president can not get reasonable medical care in Pakistan what hope is there for a poor man? It is farcical leaders going overseas for treatment.
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Mar 18, 2016 11:22am
Pakistanis love General Musharraf. He has done a lots of good for Pakistan
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Mar 18, 2016 11:23am
Please don't come back this country does not deserves honest leader.
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Mar 18, 2016 11:30am
Then Musharraf in Power Nawaz flee to Dubai,
Now Nawaz in power, Musharraf flee to Dubai.
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Mar 18, 2016 11:38am
good luck! he is the man of words will return.
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Mar 18, 2016 11:40am
It's a Mysterious typical political disease. Treatment only available abroad. This is the name of the game.
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Mar 18, 2016 11:47am
He is a man of commitment.He is sincere, honest and none of his family members are in politics.He is an ideal person to lead this country and the nation has started comparing his good qualities with his opponents(corrupt and incompetent)as well as the progress in the country in his era 2000-2007 and thereafter.So Mr Musharraf is surely going to come back to lead this country as we are tired of corrupt and incompetent so called leaders.
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Mar 18, 2016 11:50am
Logic says, if he were really all that sick he should have been taken straight to hospital instead of his house in Dubai.
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Mar 18, 2016 11:52am
A man who could not travel to reach the court building is fit to travel abroad! Amazing.
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Mar 18, 2016 11:52am
Wish him a good health. I am sure Commando will not vanish but come back and face the court as Mr. Zardari did.
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Mar 18, 2016 11:55am
Very Sorry about people of this nation ,specially media who treated Former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf in such negative way.Reason because he serve this nation honestly.
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Mar 18, 2016 12:05pm
@mhw I think he will not return and stay in Dubai until next elections.
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Mar 18, 2016 12:23pm
Musharraf is an honest, sincere and true great leader. His name should never have been on ECL. Its a shame that we never give this person the due respect and honor that he deserves. Get well soon Sir, We all love you and pray for your health.
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Mar 18, 2016 12:59pm
So Pakistan doesn't have modern medical facilities? Sorry to know about it.
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Mar 18, 2016 01:27pm
Mushraaf is an ardent soldier and a man of his words,he will come back and surprise his opponents,he does not want a scar on his name during his lifetime.
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Mar 18, 2016 01:28pm
I don't know why Dubai? Most Arabs who cannot find treatment in their own countries seek treatment in places such as US, Europe or even Thailand. Dubai is not exactly known for offering treatment for every ailment!
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Mar 18, 2016 01:33pm
Wish you all the best. Our pray is with you for prompt and complete recovery from your illness. We will be waiting for you and well come you back to your beloved country. Your services is need of the time as the nation is going through tough time.
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Mar 18, 2016 02:28pm
He didn't do a NRO to runaway like the Sharifs and won't do a NRO to come back like the Zardaris.
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Mar 18, 2016 02:42pm
All the best General. You deserved better from us. Thanks for everything you did for the country. All of your decisions may not have worked out but at least they were taken in the right spirit.
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Mar 18, 2016 02:59pm
A real great news. I wish Musharraf full recovery from his ailment. He will come back & get cleared in all cases. The nation needs him again as a front runner
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Mar 18, 2016 03:35pm
A great leader with vision and targets not made for society and political environment liker ours.
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Mar 18, 2016 03:49pm
@Naveed Jafri you will be embarrassed when he comes back,he is a man of principals who studied these principals from childhood while studying in a missionary school in karachi
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Mar 18, 2016 04:16pm
The commando escaped.
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Mar 18, 2016 04:45pm
Good Luck and have a speedy recovery. InshAllah.
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Mar 18, 2016 05:14pm
We all pray for your quick recovery.
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Mar 18, 2016 05:57pm
The last decent President, Pakistan was safer under his watch.
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Mar 18, 2016 06:54pm
He is gonna come back, as he said.... Plus i agree with all who are in agreement that his tenure was at least the best in our lives in Pakistan and there is no Question about it...
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Mar 18, 2016 07:27pm
Far better than corrupt politicians, at least every body knows
Mr Mussharaf did't leave Dubai to buy any property.
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Mar 18, 2016 07:48pm
Justice needs to be the same for all. Whether they are politicians or military officers. Can anyone claim that Musharraf didn't abrogate the Constitution of Pakistan, which, under Article 6, is a crime of treason? I despise almost all the politicians of Pakistan for their two-facedness. But when they undertake criminal activities, they hide it well. Musharraf's actions are undeniable. They can be proven NOT to be treason, on legal grounds, but the actual act itself cannot be deleted from history. With this kind of treatment for military personnel, who, in my opinion, should be held accountable to a far higher degree of loyalty and principles, than the unscrupulous politicians of Pakistan. He ran away today, because he has no legal grounds to stand on. Short and simple.
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Mar 18, 2016 08:12pm
Good luck General. We know you love Pakistan. Get well
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Mar 18, 2016 09:11pm
If I was in his place I would not go back to a country for which I gave my life and the thief governments I was trying to save it from had the audacity to try me for treason.
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Mar 19, 2016 07:16am
And when in power he could not build a single quality hospital. Get well soon but please do remember those who can't afford what u elite could
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Mar 19, 2016 10:37am
He is saying bye bye Pakistan forever,like his PM Shaukat Aziz
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Mar 19, 2016 10:39am
What will be the future of Pakistan if our Presidents & PMs (Musharaf, Zardai, Shaukat Aziz ) are our rulers.
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Mar 19, 2016 10:40am
Pakistan will wait for his come back.
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Mar 19, 2016 12:26pm
He looked like a scared man not a brave General....
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Mar 20, 2016 01:50am
Now what has happened it is history. He eroded heavy mandate govt but same time the govt exceeded the limit of firing him without any charge sheet etc required under law. Means coup against him was initiated by the govt first. Had it because of Kashmir kargil war the system has a way of inquiry which should have been done. So now let him stay healthy wealthy and wise at the old age and take advice on difficult issues which may be of value with his particular view of the global scenario???
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Mar 20, 2016 12:15pm
As a layman, I would guess that a fractured vertebra is something that might affect lots of people, especially soldiers. It is a serious matter, and quite surprising, if treatment is not available in Pakistan; steps ought to be taken to rectify things.
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Mar 21, 2016 02:52am
Country and people are better off. Thanks but no thanks.
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