Amidst “unfavourable” circumstances in Pakistan due to his alleged involvement in two high-profile murder cases, those of Benazir Bhutto and Akbar Bughti, former president Pervez Musharraf has hired the services of a lobbying firm in the US which would simultaneously boost his image in the US state institutions and represent his interests in the US.
At a time when two Pakistani courts are closing in on Musharraf for his alleged involvement in the two murder cases, through Raza Bokhari (operating as North American Point of Contact, Office of General Pervez Musharraf), he has adopted legal and institutional procedure to win support of the US media and state administration. According to the agreement, Bokhari has the authority to enter into this agreement, and to act and make representations on behalf of General Musharraf.
The agreement made on September 1 said, “This independent contractor agreement is made between Advantage Associates International Ltd, a closely held corporation specialising in helping clients with governmental, political and international matters and General Musharraf through Raza Bokhari. The scope of work said Advantage will work with Bokhari to develop a strategy to represent Musharraf’s interest in the US.
The parties will exert all manner of good faith and take all reasonable efforts to ensure performance and prevent repudiation by other parties connected with its activities which could affect its performance under this agreement. In consideration of Advantage’s work under this agreement, the total fee for the services to be provided to Advantage is $175,000. A monthly payment in the amount of 25,000 will be paid to Advantage for a period of seven months beginning on September 1 and ending on March 30, 2012.
Bokhari agrees to reimburse Advantage for all reasonable expenses arising out of this Agreement, with any expenses over $250 pre-approved in advance. Source of payment for funds under this agreement may come from Bokhari or General Musharraf, the contract said. All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) spokesman Fawad Chaudhry said the APML North America Chapter would give funds to the ‘lobbying’ firm, adding that all main political parties of Pakistan had hired the services of lobbying firms abroad.
