ISLAMABAD -
Former military dictator and President Pervez Musharraf would enjoy almost all luxuries of life at his Chak Shahzad sub-jail house, but for the first time in his life the former four-star general will have to seek prior permission from Islamabad Commissioner to meet anyone there.
Islamabad Rural Assistant Commissioner and Deputy Superintendent Adiala Jail have taken charge of the sub-jail at Musharraf’s farmhouse as warden. According to the ICT administration notification, the former army chief cannot meet any body without the permission, though he will be entitled to all other facilities.
Senior lawyer and former IHBA President Ashraf Gujjar while talking to The Nation said that the authorities declared Musharraf’s residence as sub-jail against the defined law regarding the house arrest. He said that under the 16MPO political personalities can be put into house arrest but a terrorism accused cannot be given this copious facility. President Zardari and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had to face jails, and even former president Farooq Laghari was arrested in Margala police station of Islamabad, he contended. "Why Musharraf is enjoying facilities even more than an A-class accused?”
Gujjar condemned some lawyers' attitude as they not only thrashed supporters of former president, but also scuffled with Ranger's personnel guarding Musharraf. He said, “We have complete trust in independent judiciary and hope that any decision regarding Musharraf will be taken in accordance with the law and the constitution.”
Ahmed Raza Kasuri, a counsel of former Musharraf, claimed on Saturday, “By surrendering himself before the courts, Musharraf has proved himself as a democrat.” Talking to media, Kasuri said that no dictator comes back in the country to leave himself at the mercy of the courts. He said that Musharraf's test was now over, adding the ball was now in judiciary's court.
Kasuri said that it was ironical that the man who fought against terrorism for eight years, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) ordered to put anti-terrorism clause in the FIR against him. Kasuri said that Musharraf had acted to save the state of Pakistan and without state there would have been no constitution. The world's attention is focused on legal proceedings against Musharraf, he added.
All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) spokesman Dr Amjid said an appeal would be filed in the Supreme Court against the IHC decision regarding arrest of the former president. Talking to media men on Saturday, Amjid said, “Whatever decision is given by the court will be acceptable to us. We will not interfere in the course of law. Court has incorporated terrorism act clauses in the case against Pervez Musharraf and we have accepted it.”
He went on to say that baseless allegations were being levelled against Musharraf as the latter had not kept any judge in habeas corpus up till six months. He held that the former president had not ordered for detaining judges by himself as such decisions are taken after consultation with prime minister and administration.