Former Pakistani president general (retd) Pervez Musharraf has decided not to return to the country to face the supreme court, as he may be put behind bars on criminal counts.
Former Pakistani president general (retd) Pervez Musharraf has decided not to return to the country to face the supreme court, as he may be put behind bars on criminal counts, including treason charges, for having trampled upon the constitution twice.
Since the country’s apex court has summoned him to give his defence for his unconstitutional act of imposing martial law in the country on November 3, 2009, and sacking 60 judges of superior courts, the retired general, who is in London for two months, has been in constant touch with old aides, serving and otherwise, weighing the pros and cons of returning.
Close aides in Islamabad say he has decided not to return this week as he has been summoned by the apex court on Wednesday. A petition is likely to be submitted by one of his counsels before the supreme court for adjournment, so that he can study the case.
A government source in Islamabad said Musharraf’s decision may be motivated by president Asif Ali Zardari’s refusal to ensure VIP protocol and security if he returns.
The source said Musharraf had contacted Zardari through a friend, seeking protocol and security, but Zardari expressed inability and advised him to postpone his return till conducive conditions prevailed.
A close associate of the former president revealed that he has been provided an additional four sleuths by Scotland Yard after political leaders in London threatened him. Musharraf planned to proceed to some European universities to deliver lectures in the next four weeks. He could change his plan in the wake of the fear of an agitation.
The source claimed that he has no problem in staying on in London and in case he finds difficulty in living there, he could move to California, where his son Bilal is. Musharraf could also shift to Chicago where his brother is. The source said Musharraf would take a decision in September.
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