Former military ruler Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday lamented the country’s conditions, saying they were getting worse with each passing day.
Speaking to Ex-Servicemen of Pakistan-First Forum, Musharraf said that when he was stepping down from power, a dollar amounted to 61 rupees. Declaring his term a golden era for Pakistan, the former army strongman said all he did during his rule was aimed at ensuring the interests of the country.
Tuesday was the first time Musharraf spoke to a gathering after securing bail in the criminal cases against him.
Musharraf said the cases against him had no foundation, adding that he would brave all the difficulties in his path. He said that whatever measures he took on Nov 3, 2007, was in the capacity of army chief and therefore only a military court could hear his case.
The former dictator said that he had come to Pakistan because people wanted a change in the country but he was not allowed to contest general elections.
Musharraf praised new Army chief Gen Raheel Sharif and wished him success.
“I pray for the success of Gen Sharif,” he said, adding that he did not ask for help from anyone.
The former dictator has denounced the treason charges against him as a “vendetta”, and has claimed that he continues to enjoy the backing of the country’s powerful army. Musharraf has also alleged that the “whole army” has been upset with the treason allegations.
The treason charges are the latest and potentially most serious in a flurry of criminal cases relating to Musharraf’s nine-year rule that he has faced since returning to Pakistan in March.
