People wishing to see former President Pervez Musharraf heading to the gallows are living in a fool’s paradise. This writer does not say this due to any personal sentiments toward the former strongman but the claim is based on a careful analysis of the entire situation.
The ongoing treason trial is believed to be a delaying tactic to save Musharraf from a possible conviction and to allow him safe exit from the country at some appropriate time.
Rumors are making rounds in power corridors about a clandestine deal between the army and the civilian administration on Musharraf’s freedom. Obviously, it is hard to ascertain the credibility of these reports that is why they are still called rumors. Insiders, however, believe that the military does not wish to see the image of its former chief getting tarnished in public. It is even said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has accepted the fact and it is just a matter of time when Musharraf will be seen moving abroad. So, what is with all this trial drama? Sources privy to this issue say this is all part of a deal, which is a face-saver for all concerned. Remember Sharifs’ rhetoric during their election campaign! Punishing Musharraf for at least suspending judges of the superior courts in November 2007 topped the to-do-list of Pakistan Muslim League-N. They, obviously, cannot back out so easily. It will be a step-by-step withdrawal.
Pakistan for the first time in its political history saw smooth transition of power from one elected government to another. It should not be forgotten, however, that Pakistan Army remained in power for decades and still has the capability to exercise its authority or assert itself. Perhaps that is the reason that the current government is averse to locking horns with the powerful institution. Political pundits say the government is fully aware of the repercussions of sending Musharraf to the gallows against the will of the army. In the media, however, Sharif and his close aides always express their wish to see Musharraf behind bars just to please their supporters. In reality they are not at all ready to take the risk, which is evident from the pace of the trial and Musharraf’s dilly-dallying.
In addition to that many unbiased analysts are raising their voices in support of Musharraf. On the other hand, social media is playing a crucial role in supporting the former president. The chief of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Altaf Hussain, has openly offered his support to Musharraf. That was natural, as his party shared power with Musharraf during his tenure. What is, however, more surprising is the warning issued by Asma Jehangir. The former Supreme Court Bar Association president and eminent human rights activist, says convicting Musharraf may cause political upheaval in the country and the civilian administration will not only earn the ire of the army but chances of a military takeover will become great. According to her, this time around the takeover will be bloody in character and may follow the ruthless Iranian pattern. All previous military coups have been bloodless. “This time it will be different,” said Asma. Sharif is in a tight spot and very much reluctant to take any drastic measure. To add to the worries of Sharif, the judiciary is in no mood to show mercy and is apparently least bothered about the fate of Sharif’s government.
A three-member panel of Supreme Court judges, headed by Justice Faisal Arab has rejected the former president’s plea to be tried by a military court and also refused to grant him bail. They want him to be arrested by police and brought to court, pronouncing the military hospital’s report about Musharraf being a heart patient, as frivolous. Their anger obviously is seen as a revenge for removing them from office till a Supreme Court order overturned Musharraf’s order of Nov. 3, 2007 as fallacy, and reinstated the dismissed judges. However, trial in a civilian court means prolonged proceedings, longer intervals for lawyers to prepare their arguments for and against the person facing trial.
A demand, voiced earlier by the former president to summon all those in the government with him when emergency rule was enforced, has now been backed by many, including some of the leading politicians. Even former army chief Gen. Kayani, and ex-Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, who had forced Musharraf to proceed against the then Chief Justice Iftikhar M. Chaudhry, could be asked to appear as witnesses. That would drag the proceedings for a much longer period than anticipated.
