Musharraf called on provincial governors before declaring emergency: Ishrat-ul-Ibad

Follow @X_Reports

Thursday, 15 May 2014

KARACHI: In his statement to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Governor of Sindh Dr Ishrat-ul-Ibad has said that former President and General (retd) Pervez Mushraff had consulted all the provincial governors before declaring emergency on Novermber 3, 2007 in Pakistan.

He further said, in his statement to FIA, that Musharraf called all four provincial governors and told that nothing will happen without consultation.

Ishrat-ul-Ibad also maintained that Musharraf always consulted all the governors on important national issues but Ibad did not see the notification for November 3rd emergency and neither did he advise anything to Musharraf regarding emergency back then.

It is important to note here that, in last hearing of Musharraf’s high profile treason case, interior ministry submitted a detailed investigative report in the court, which has been handed over to Musharraf’s lawyer.

Published in the XReports.net, on May 15th, 2014 | TNT

Continue Reading | comments

Is Altaf Hussain returning to rescue Musharraf?

Follow @X_Reports

Wednesday, 16 April 2014

اسلام آباد: غداری کیس میں پرویز مشرف کے وکیل اور ایم کیو ایم کے سینیٹر بیرسٹر فروغ نسیم کا کہنا ہے کہ انہیں اس بات کا کوئی علم نہیں کہ الطاف حسین سابق صدر کو بچانے پاکستان آرہے ہیں۔

سنگین غداری کیس کی سماعت کے بعد میڈیا سے بات کرتے ہوئے بیرسٹر فروغ نسیم کا کہنا تھا کہ ایم کیو ایم کے قائد الطاف حسین پاکستان سے دور رہ کر بھی وطن سے محبت کرتے ہیں، ان کے پاکستان آنے کا علم نہیں اور انہیں یہ بھی نہیں معلوم کہ الطاف حسین پرویز مشرف کو بچانے پاکستان آرہے ہیں، اگر انہوں نے وطن واپس آنے کا فیصلہ کیا تو کارکن سیکیورٹی کی بنا پر نہ آنے کا مشورہ دیں گے۔

فروغ نسیم نے کہا کہ سنگین غداری کیس میں دلائل کے دوران اکرم شیخ کو الطاف حسین سے متعلق بات  نہیں کرنی چاہیئے تھی، الطاف حسین تو اکرم شیخ سے متعلق اچھے جذبات رکھتے ہیں، اگلی سماعت کے دوران اپنی باری پر وہ الطاف حسین کا نام لینے پر ضرور بات کریں گے۔

Published in the XReports.net, on April 16th, 2014 | Express

Continue Reading | comments

Blog: Musharraf — right leader for the wrong people?

Follow @X_Reports

Thursday, 10 April 2014

By Mohsin Naqvi | Published in the XReports.net, on April 11th, 2014

Once the most powerful man, a leader of the free world, former President of the United States George W Bush, invited the American media to his oil painting art exhibition titled “The Art of Leadership: A President’s Personal Diplomacy" on Saturday April 5th, 2014. For his remarkable collection of portraits, 30 oil based painting of leaders of the free world was showcased at George Bush Presidential library and museum in Dallas Texas.

Not professional, startling likenesses, a decent amateur work was neatly presented to the media. Former President Bush didn't try to copy van Gogh or Picasso but simply brushed his expression on canvas showing, importance of personal relations to further diplomacy with the top world leaders.

Among the 30 world leader, stands the picture of Former President of Pakistan Gen. Pervez Musharraf who once held an important position on international stage, a well respected name in the corridors of world powers. His critics might say that picture lacks brightness, Musharraf is not smiling or the frame is cheap but the fact stays that in his time, Musharraf did take Pakistan to the highest level of the international arena, within the top 30, I might say and if you don't believe me, the art shows.

Mind wonders! Is Pakistan really so isolated in the world that it has lost touch with the reality? The world honors Pakistan with respect, we make it our agenda to turn it to disrespect. Musharraf is a traitor, Osama is our brother? Malala Yousafzai is a traitor but American convict Aafia Siddiqui is a sister? Shamefully the majority is mute but sometimes being mute becomes a sin.

In Pakistan, average Mohammad Hussain, still worries about food, shelter, electricity and security, some of the basic fundamental needs of survival for human. If you ask, do you know Musharraf started 80 universities creating post graduates? He will stir at you. Ok, do you know that academia will recommend polices for law makers and government alike to make a better Pakistan, I bet he will shrug it off. Who cares?

If I tell him that GPD grew at 6 percent from 3 percent in 1999 and Pakistan with less than a billion in reserves in 1999 went to 17 billion foreign reserves without IMF loan by 2007, he will look at me like I am speaking an alien language. From poverty and literacy level elevation, to revolutionizing Pakistan with telecom, free media, women empowerment, minority protection, anti-Terrorism policies and creating millions of jobs in Pakistan but an average Muhammad Hussein will stay unmoved.

Ok, Musharraf develop Gawadar seaport, a 650 km coastal highway, IT, CNG and Telecom industries of Pakistan, provided employment to millions and brought billions of dollar in foreign investments to Pakistan. Favorable investment conditions in Pakistan brought foreign world class franchisees to Pakistan markets but average Muhammad Hussain was not interested and kept busy washing his cow in the same water he drinks from.

I say, if democracy stand for public service and deliverance, Musharraf definitely brought Pakistan from dark ages to the 21st century, creating a vibrant Pakistan we see today. Pakistan’s thriving new booming economy and Musharraf’s tough stance on terrorism not only earned respect for him internationally but also brought prestige for Pakistan in the international arena.

Why was then he ousted out of his office then, a reader might think? If he was a western President, Musharraf will be popular like former US President Clinton for economic growth and recovery but the story of Pakistan is different. Musharraf was a right leader for wrong people.

Seventy percent of the country’s population lives a rural life fully under feudal control. How Pakistan moves forward in the international arena is not a concern for the feudal, how much they make from Pakistan is. The feudal decided who gets the vote not average Muhammad Hussain. Mostly his vote is cast on his behalf for the “Sa’ain” or “Chaudhary”, (the feudal lord) or whomever they endorse.

Another contributing factor, religious extremism and anti-American, a combo easily sold in Pakistan to the public. Musharraf was stigmatized by religious elements as an agent of the infidels. Add into this disgust, the lies of the political arena that Musharraf engaged Pakistan in US war to supported infidels over our own Muslims.

Lastly, all those moderate, liberals, religious minorities and the elite of the country which enjoyed benefits from former President Musharraf regime are silent and at this point in time, their silence has become a sin.

After this silence, majority still thinks Musharraf as a great leader but only dare to express those views in drawing room discussions or through internet by clicking ‘like’ on his face-book page, fearing they will be stigmatized in the society.

It’s a sin, when someone is victimized right before your eyes and you are mute. It’s evident that Musharraf never abrogated or subverted the constitution of Pakistan in his order, neither in 1999 nor 2007, as described in article 6 of 1973’s constitution. Yes Pakistani constitution was put in ‘abeyance’, a temporary strategy, to control law and order, a strategy used on many occasion in the history of Pakistan.

To victimize Musharraf, in 2010, the state’s political elite silently amended the constitution of Pakistan without the knowledge of average Muhammad Hussain, adding the word ‘Abeyance’ in article 6 as a crime of high treason. In vengeance for 1999’s coup, PM Nawaz Sharif’s government, in consultation with his partners in judiciary, intentionally indicting Musharraf on high treason charge under 2010 amended article 6 of the constitution of Pakistan with reckless disregard for article 12 of the same constitution which clearly states “no law shall authorize the punishment of a person, for an act or omission that was not punishable by law at the time of the act or omission.”

In short, it’s not about the law, constitution or judgment but only vengeance. The same ‘Mola Jatt’ style justice and ‘Sultan Rahi’ type statements are not acceptable to many who seek reconciliation over revenge. It’s obvious, abeyance was not an indictable offense till 2010 and letting the government use 2010 amended article 6 selectively with total disregard for its retro activity, to score political mileage cast doubts not only on the morality of the pillars of government but also opposition champions of justice who pride righteousness. Musharraf should sleep in peace knowing he didn't betray his people, his people betrayed him.

Musharraf's trial also challenges the intellect of those who supported and sacrificed for a ‘free judiciary’ in Pakistan. Did all those who gave their lives in judicial activism to restore judiciary had revenge and selective justice in mind? It’s the visual selective justice in last 6 years causing leader of the judicial movement distancing themselves from the Supreme Court.

Collective wisdom tells, Pakistani fragile democracy in its infancy can’t afford administrative and judicial adventurism. If immediate reconciliation plan is not adopted by the government and judiciary with Pakistan Army, Pakistan will definitely come one step closer to the justification of a coup and again no one will come out for judiciary and Nawaz Sharif. I have a feeling, God forbid if this happens, mistake of ‘abeyance’ will not be made but under the current security conditions, a total abrogation and subversion, with boots on ground and public execution of the accused are foreseeable.

The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of The XReports.

Continue Reading | comments

Blog: The developing new world order and Pakistan

Follow @X_Reports

Friday, 7 March 2014

By Danish Kazi | Published in the XReports.net, on March 7th, 2014

Its probably my first piece on international political influence on Pakistan. I strongly feel that with the developing situation. We soon might need to choose sides again and I hope that we choose the right ones this time. We don’t want to side with a situation that it would take a generation to correct our mistakes as currently we face in Pakistan for our past mistakes.

At the center we have a government whose forte might not be the global policy but it is clearly a regional political player for obvious reasons. It may be a blessing and at the same time might back fire as well depending on how our regional allies are aligned to which global partner emerges or re-emerge.

As I write this piece . Russians have started to sound the horn that they want to regain the lost position they had till the 90’s . After many years its current President Vladamir Putin who was a darling for the West until a few years ago is trying to stretch his muscles. Now it could be that he intend to create a distraction for keeping power for a few more years or it could be well possible that he has achieved monetarily and technologically for his armed forces where he feels that he can now confront the world powers left ruling the world after the fall of USSR; after decades of equal supremacy. Either ways his actions could have an out reaching effect.

Now I have been hearing that he might be not very certain about the military threat to the Ukraine but lets not forget that the regimes that Russia has backed i.e. in Libya and Syria have been either wiped out as in the case of the former and is struggling as in the case of the former. Now seeing the change of anti Russian government right at its border and that too backed by the United States might be too much for him to handle. I am sure they would not let this one slide in their back yard without a fight physical or diplomatic.

Now how does it impact Pakistan in my view. Finally, some force equal in size and capability is again getting up to confront the United States view of the world. So US knowing that no other nation holds the capability to hit its shores but Russia would now look towards the North to confront or contain the rising Russian threat. Means simply that they would need another war machine in the region of Middle East and South Asia to out source its battles. I am sure that whilst the US looks north. They would not want a situation that a gap is created for China to form a stronghold to access the warm waters of Arabian Sea and might add to their troubles.

At the same time whilst they would confront Iran on the diplomatic front. With Russia coming out open against United States . It could mean a bigger group of Nations who have been anti US lately or in-fact its (US’s) victims might look to Russia for the new big brother. I feel Hamid Karzai who has recently been snubbed by Barack Obama might think as well. I am not sure how the Taliban would react to this news but I am sure they would like to sit on a couch and watch this out.

Pakistan’s role becomes more strategic in my point of view as I feel that with the developing situation United States which was planning to pull out forces from Afghanistan would now like to continue holding its forces there to create a flanking strategy in case Russia becomes too over ambitious to challenge its writ. As I am sure the closest port giving them with land access is through Pakistan. Though Iran provides the same but I feel how much the US might want; Israel would never let that proximity happen. So the dependency on Pakistan is significant.

We heard the recent news that Saudi Arabia is in talks with the Pakistan government to send a few army divisions or a division to the Kingdom to safeguard their interest as they see the unrest simmering in the Eastern Province having proximity to Iran. With Bahrain still restless but under control. At the same time Syria and even Egypt in turmoil closer to their borders means a menacing situation for the rulers . Suddenly Saudi Arabia is feeling that they are in need to have more soldiers on the ground. With distrust on the United States on the ground there as some feel that the unrest in the East is because of the US itself. Fearing that it might create another wave of Al Qaeda type fighters if they look to the US again this time and with wars so close to their border. They know for sure that they would have to look to ancillary options like Pakistan; a brotherly state for the same purpose. I am sure this could be an amicable solution for all as US would now like to focus on Russia and as well at the same time with Iraqi oil under their control would not like to be embroiled in the Saudi issue as it might impact their relationship with the government in Iraq as they (Iraqi government) are now closer to Iran. US would like to out source this to the next best war machine with able bodied men in the region. Pakistan is that ideal fit.

So at the same time whilst I feel that the US is going no where from Afghanistan any time soon to not only keep a check on Russia but also fearing that if Karzai goes the Russian way . The block of Russian-Iran-Afghanistan could mean disaster for their interests in the region. So I feel dependency on Pakistan would increase and at the same time I am sure they would like to focus on one enemy at the time. Means either they would like to clean up the Taliban issue before Russian juggernaut wakes up completely or would like to have peace with Taliban. Now I am sure whilst US may for a moment gulp down their ego and drink to that with a big grin on the face. I doubt the radicals within Taliban would be forgiving and some might continue to fight . Again which means US needs to be closer to Pakistan as an ally to make sure that whilst they focus on Russia they are not attacked from the rear in form of Taliban.

It could be a possibility that Russian might enter an alliance with Taliban to avenge the US for their defeat in the late 80’s . I am sure that Taliban would have less trouble engaging with the Russians now as they are a religious state unlike the communists mindset they earlier had in the past as they were USSR.

So its time that Pakistan plays its cards well. I strongly feel that they should not be an easy ally for United States but should take severe advantage from the arising situation if it reaches that level and bargain properly. If I would be in the government . My first list of demand would be 5000 MW worth of Nuclear Power Facilities across the country. Second on the list would be Desalination Plants at the coast to ensure adequate water supplies for the future and Third to write off its loans by at least 50% . Last but not the least give us the F-16’s which never came as promised . Well I am sure there are more like health care etc but I am sure that our rulers are smart enough to ask otherwise.

I am sure they would all find an opportunity to become richer by selling themselves off. Maybe setting a steel mill in the US or may be in Russia if I am a Sharif. And if I am a Zardari . I would go for a dinner with Cate Blanchett followed by a castle in California. But I wish had it been Gen Pervez Musharraf. He could have negotiated it better. Now don’t tell me that he gave in 2001. He ensured that he get Pakistan bank rolled and at the same time contained the war and also remained with the wealth which he accumulated by serving the Pakistan Army as seen recently that not a single case of corruption has been discovered against him though the hounds chase him.

But lets see how it goes. The situation in Ukraine and its end would determine the future or else I would seem over optimistic after a few months if some one reads this piece. I feel that Ukraine issue can bring the balance to the force. At the same time I wish it reduces pressure on our mother land and serves better for us. Pakistan Zindabad!

The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of The XReports.

Continue Reading | comments

I am not considered a ‘son of soil’, Musharraf says

Follow @X_Reports

Saturday, 28 December 2013

29-12-2013
The former President of Pakistan, General (Retd) Pervez Musharraf has confessed that he belongs to an Urdu-speaking family and he is not considered a ‘son-of-soil’. Further he has added that if that is the reason to trap him in the legal issues then it is awful.

In a private TV show, anchorperson asked a question on the public demand, that why no one filed a case against Punjabi-speaking generals?

Dr Danish, the anchorman, said that there is an impression among the public that because Musharraf is a Mohajir. He had asked Musharraf if that was true. To this Musharraf replied in positive.

Continue Reading | comments