Former dictator says Gen Kayani should also be tried for high treason besides him
Former military ruler General (r) Pervez Musharraf has said that an empowered interim government could bring reforms and take the country on a path of progress and development.
In an interview to a news channel late on Friday night, Musharraf said the army’s role was important in government to ensure checks and balances, but their powers were revoked when the National Security Council was abolished after 18th constitutional amendment.
He said the decision to strike off his name from Exit Control List was discretion of the government as he could not insist the ruling authority on the matter. “But, yes! I want to live an independent life and there should be no bar on me leaving or entering the country,” he said.
Musharraf was of the view that General (r) Ashfaq Pervez Kayani should also have been included in the treason case pertaining to imposition of emergency on November 3, 2007.
When asked about the politicians of his time now a part of ruling regime, the former president said ‘Lotacracy’ did not work anymore.
Musharraf also claimed that Baloch nationalist leader Nawaz Akbar Bugti was not killed on his direct orders.
He denied rumours that he had ordered Bugti’s killing in Murree “while dancing”. He said that anyone who has been to the area can tell that a direct mobile link is not possible from the mountainous area where Bugti was killed.
He further clarified that army has command channels and a president cannot directly order troops, adding that anyone who has some knowledge of military operations will know that four army officers were also present in the cave when the incident occurred.
“It was either a suicide or a firing incident,” said Musharraf.
