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Musharraf charged with Benazir's murder

AFPDawn.com Published August 20, 2013
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RAWALPINDI: Former military ruler General (retd) Pervez Musharraf was indicted on three counts Tuesday in Rawalpindi's anti-terrorism court (ATC) over the 2007 murder of ex-prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

Musharraf was also produced in the ATC amidst tight security during today’s hearing of the case headed by ATC judge Habibur Rehman.

A challan was read out against the former president and seven others nominated in Benazir’s murder during the hearing.

“He was charged with murder, criminal conspiracy for murder and facilitation for murder,” public prosecutor Chaudhry Azhar told AFP at the ATC in Rawalpindi hearing the case.

The seven accused persons include former City Police Officer (CPO) of Rawalpindi Saud Aziz, the then SP Khurram Shahzad, Hasnain Gul, Rafaqat Hussain, Sher Zaman, Abdul Rasheed and Aitzaaz Shah respectively.

Musharraf and the accused men denied the charges.

The court ordered the authorities to produce all the defendants in a hearing fixed for August 27 as it subsequently adjourned the matter to the said date for evidence to be brought.

Following the adjournment, the former president returned to his Chak Shahzad residence, which had been declared sub-jail.

Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in a gun-and-bomb attack outside Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh on December 27, 2007 while Musharraf was president. She was killed after addressing an election campaign rally in the city.

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Alwyn
Aug 20, 2013 09:43am
Those who live by the sword are fed to the sword eventually.
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Iqbal
Aug 20, 2013 09:55am
He should also be indicted for Murtaza Bhutto's murder.
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Rizwan
Aug 20, 2013 10:01am
This goes on to show how inept the judiciary is at the same time shows anyone could be charged but convinction is a separate issue
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NPervez
Aug 20, 2013 10:04am
Keep strong President Musharraf! We are praying for you. InshAllah the truth shall prevail.
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Dila
Aug 20, 2013 10:16am
Is this the most pressing issue of the year? Why can't we focus on the real issues?
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Manhas
Aug 20, 2013 10:45am
Pakistan's first step towards democracy.
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Saiyedzaidi
Aug 20, 2013 11:00am
When is this circus going to end,there is never any good news coming out Pakistan seems like there is no solution coming out of this quicksand like affect that has overtaken the nation.stop it please stop it get on course asap.
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mirza
Aug 20, 2013 11:07am
Good step towards justice.
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mirza
Aug 20, 2013 11:07am
Good step towards justice.
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Zak
Aug 20, 2013 11:16am
If this political motivated case goes on , a coup to overthrow the govt and take charge to restore honesty might be in order and will be supported by the public.
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mukhtar
Aug 20, 2013 11:17am
Very funny.How can he be indicted,he brokered deal that allowed Be nazir Bhutto to return after elections.She broke the deal and in spite of warnings she chose the wrong way.How can you charge president for such murders when it was the responsibility of the provincial government.We should grow and come out of fantacies
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A. HAMEED
Aug 20, 2013 11:19am
there can't be a bigger joke than this court and its dicission.
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Muhammad Rehan Ghazi
Aug 20, 2013 12:15pm
I hope and pray that Musharraf, at least gets life imprisonment. Lets make an example of this retired general for ages to come. Even life imprisonment, will be a very small punishment for his heinous crimes.
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A Kashmiri
Aug 20, 2013 12:29pm
Shame on this system. He is and will always be our Hero!
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Farhan
Aug 20, 2013 12:36pm
May Allah protect Pervez Musharraf from all these forged cases as he did everything in favor of Pakistan during his tenure which were not popular but were right for the betterment of Pakistan. Love live Pakistan
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M J Syed
Aug 20, 2013 01:13pm
This is a mistake and probably a deceit to the people of Pakistan. Musharaf will be acquitted. If the authorities wish to do something substantial for Pakistan, then he must be tried fairly for treason and punished with full justice.
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Syed
Aug 20, 2013 01:24pm
wrong wrong worng...what a pity, Zardari remain in imunity and Musharaf charged with murder that never commited.
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Asad
Aug 20, 2013 01:31pm
This is very sad. Corrupt people like Zardari is the president of Pakistan and people like Musharaf who has geniune feeling for the country and during his duration Pakistan became strong is being trial for crime he didnt commit. Moreover as per law the then government and security agencies were responsible for the security, not him. Very sad and that is making our country more weak.
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BKH
Aug 20, 2013 01:38pm
Former president Musharraf handed him in a plate to his political adversaries by returning to Pakistan. instead of seeking political asylum in a country of his choice
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justice
Aug 20, 2013 01:56pm
good
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M S Sheikh
Aug 20, 2013 02:19pm
I want to see Mush in handcuffs and put in jail. My wish is nearing to coming true. Let it be a warning to people like Mush and his accomplices that abrogation of the Constitution of Pakistan, murders or facilitating murders does not pay. One day one has to answer for ones' acts.
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Absar
Aug 20, 2013 02:25pm
If president is responsible for the murders committed in his tenure, then Mr. Zardari should be charged for thousands of muders happening during his time as well as murder of Salman Taseer and other leaders. Because president and government failed to provide security for it's citizens ....
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Mubashir
Aug 20, 2013 02:36pm
Nawaz is settling scores. Has *any* real evidence been presented in the court showing Musharraf's guilt? I don't think so.
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Yasir
Aug 20, 2013 03:05pm
no one is expecting fair trial from judges.,very good way to treat patriotic leader. We dont need external forces to destroy us, we are enough for ourselves. Keep it up
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Zain
Aug 20, 2013 03:09pm
well....this was unexpected...
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indian
Aug 20, 2013 03:39pm
country of hypo-crates gets hypocrisy........as far as Musharraffs concern he's paying for what he did..... Pakistan got lowest GDP in asia, thanks to him....
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AHMAD
Aug 20, 2013 03:40pm
No Body is superior than Law.
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Irfan Baloch
Aug 20, 2013 03:58pm
A disgraceful outcome but then again not unexpected of the "select" judiciary deomcracy was the best revenge indeed and now Judiciary has joined the farce as well
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Raja
Aug 20, 2013 05:18pm
Pervez Musharraf was the best president Pakistan ever had. He has done a lot of good things for Pakistan, people were happy except two, one Nawaz and the other Shahbaz.
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bilal
Aug 20, 2013 05:38pm
This courst and its judgments are mockery of justice. Musharaf is a great man.
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Ahmed
Aug 20, 2013 05:42pm
Musharraf should be hanged. But not for the murder of Benazir Bhutto (where it would be a huge surprise if the prosecution is able to present any reasonable link). He should be charged and hanged 1. under Article 6, for abusing his authority to overthrow the constitution and kidnap the elected Prime Minister; 2. under murder charges for abusing his authority to launch the Kargil mischief in order to sabotage peace efforts between two elected prime ministers, and which cost the lives of hundreds of Pakistani and Indian soldiers; 3. for reckless conduct with this double games as illegal head of state whereby he gave safe haven to terrorists who have since then taken the lives of 50,0000 Pakistani soldiers, police and civilians and caused untold economic damage to this poverty stricken nation.
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sohail pirzada
Aug 20, 2013 05:49pm
Dictator is a dictator n that's what he is. He must be given a fair trial and must be dealt accordingly...
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debater
Aug 20, 2013 05:50pm
Political vendetta.
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dr. tashfeen
Aug 20, 2013 05:53pm
no one is above justice. he should be brought to courts for other matters as well . this man is responsible for the terrible conditions pakistan is facing today. the courts should set an example of him.
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Sajad Padder
Aug 20, 2013 06:17pm
It is an act of revenge where Musharraf has unfortunately become a scapegoat. In 2007 Benazir Bhutto was advised not to come to Pakistan at a time when even the President had three narrow escapes. After coming to Pakistan she was requested not to come out of the bulletproof vehicle but she did against that and came out in open to address the huge rally. So it is unjustified to charge Musharraf for criminal conspiracy and Killing of Benazir Bhutto. The judiciary in any country is supposed to act in the most impartial way. But here is the clear case of impartiality. The judiciary in Pakistan has earned a bad name. After the killing of Salmaan Taseer some lawyers even praised the assassin. Musharraf has done all good to save and make Pakistan a prosperous nation. During his tenure as there was 6000% increase in Development Budget of Science Ministry and 2400% increase in Dev. Budget of Higher Education. He reserved seats for women in local bodies. Pakistan
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Huseyn
Aug 20, 2013 06:21pm
The Prime Minister of Punjab will not be successful in his nefarious scheme.
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nadeem
Aug 20, 2013 06:30pm
@justice: what justice ? kangaroo courts
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nadeem
Aug 20, 2013 06:31pm
President Musharraf is the only answer for Pakistan. He saved it once and will save it again.
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Syed Zaheer Ali
Aug 20, 2013 06:31pm
Banazir was shot when she popped out of the sun roof of the car. Before that she was alive and well. Check her cell phone record at that particular moment. I am sure Musharraf did not advise Banazir to act like that. If she has done this mistake by her own will then it is the will of Allah for her to leave this world. Death is always behind to every living soul. it is only matter of time. Please stop all this drama.
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nadeem
Aug 20, 2013 06:32pm
@Farhan: agree. He will save Pakistan again.
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khalil
Aug 20, 2013 06:38pm
very wrong, the law is blind folded!! People like Zardari have made the county bankrupt due to corruption yet he enjoys complete immunity. Unfortunately the courts are not on Musharraf side because he did take panga with the judges when he was in power.
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ivehadit
Aug 20, 2013 06:41pm
This is just judicial over reach. The judiciary already has its hands tainted with the Z. A. Bhutto case. It needs to police its own excesses.
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Shamoon
Aug 20, 2013 06:44pm
Petitions were filed in court by individuals, and once petition is filed, court is bound to hear the case. Thus blaming the court to take up the case is not fair. Ex President Musharraf is going through difficult time, but for him to clear his name, he has to go through this process. Those who implicate honest men in frivolous cases are small man with very small brain.And small men never had a chance against the giants. So let us wait for the outcome. Besides,this is an important case, people all over the world are watching and testing our legal system. It is not just Musharraf on trial, but court is on trial too. We should wish both sides in keeping their honor.. After all it is our country, our courts and our ex president. Please refrain from condemning any of them before time.
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A M
Aug 20, 2013 06:54pm
Definitely he is criminal and must be charged. we need not to support military power mongers rather support whatever democracy we have and gradually it filters all bad people exposing them in coming years.
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Roshan
Aug 20, 2013 06:55pm
If you don't like the situation with Musharraf or anything else negative in Pakistan, send your girls to school and encourage them to have a career instead of rushing them off to marriage as soon as they graduate. It will benefit your family, your community and your country if those girls get an education. Imagine more women in the justice system, more female leaders in the country. The situation will be the complete opposite. There will be peace, prosperity and unity. All things the terrorists don't want you to have. Why do you think they don't want girls to get an education? Because they know the secret to a successful nation is in empowering the women. Stop being passive, send those girls to school and if you children are already in school, encourage them to think about their career first instead of who they will marry.
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Rookie
Aug 20, 2013 06:58pm
Other accusers are walking around and his case produced results in months without any evidence what a SHAME... I am not in his favor but I think he was ruling our Country better than others!
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bangash
Aug 20, 2013 06:58pm
I think this is part of pressure campaign to make Musharraf flee the country. Everyone was happy that he had been residing in London these past few years.
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Lakhkar Khan, Pekhawar de khkulo khar
Aug 20, 2013 07:02pm
@Asad: Genuine feelings for the country and following the rules of law of the land are 2 different things. He failed to govern with the existing constitution. He made an amendment in the constitution, of his choice, to fit his agenda instead. I am surprised that he is NOT charged with ordering the murder of Nawab Bugti, as he should be.
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Lakhkar Khan, Pekhawar de khkulo khar
Aug 20, 2013 07:06pm
@Syed: You and I may don't like it but at least the people if Pakistan elected Zardari. In the contrary, no one elected the dictator. He just declared take over of the country. To Mr. Zardari's credit, he completed the term and held elections. I don't remember the dictator holding fully democratic elections, do you?
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Lakhkar Khan, Pekhawar de khkulo khar
Aug 20, 2013 07:09pm
@Farhan: I agree with your last sentence, "Long Live Pakistan" only.
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ZA
Aug 20, 2013 07:09pm
Well the Benazir Bhutto death should be called a suicide as she ignored all warnings from Musharraff and Government and insisted upon presenting her as a target to the Taliban. If Musharraff is harmed in any way by these bogus trials them Nawaz Sharif and the Pakistani Judges will certainly meet a horrible end soon.
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Lakhkar Khan, Pekhawar de khkulo khar
Aug 20, 2013 07:12pm
@Dila: This is a real issue. Some fired general just decides not to step down instead take over the country by a coup is a serious issue.
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Mushahid
Aug 20, 2013 07:10pm
Reminds me of Z Bhutto, this time its reverse, a PM having an upper hand, i love freedom and good democracy
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adamkassem@hotmail.com
Aug 20, 2013 07:12pm
Very sad.Every body knows the differenc betweem Zardari and gerenal Mushraf but no body take any action against the culprit.If Zardari claim that he knows the killer of his wife why dont he say the truth.General Musharaf is a brave person. INSHALLAH he will face the difficulties.God bless him.
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aisha
Aug 20, 2013 07:21pm
Nah.. Nothing will happen. At the end of the day, army rules the country and he is a former army chief remember.
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a
Aug 20, 2013 07:21pm
Musharraf will go free Inshallah. He is a truee patriot. Benazir was just good at corruption.
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Habib Rahman
Aug 20, 2013 07:28pm
Shame on our justice system.The cases against Musharraf are bogus and personal vendetta.He is the Nelson Mandela of Pakistan, did a lot of good for the country with 7% GDP growth, the highest in the history of Of Pakistan and got rid of IMF.It is because of corrupt politicians that failed to have democracy in the country.We are back on 3.2% GDP growth and under IMF controle.Looking at the historical development , the civilian govts achieved poor growth under 4% since 1947, and since 1950 every civilian govt was under IMF controle to pay itself because they could not generate revenue.Since 1970 every civilian prime minister and president from A.Z.BHUTTO to BB and ZARDARI have syphoned funds to Swiss and British banks and investments in INDIA by NAWAZ .There are no corruption charges against Musharraf,the govt and judiciary are trying other charges to put him in jail.
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saeed
Aug 20, 2013 07:31pm
Musharraf mistakes are too many. A ruler should never be fair otherwise he will end up like Musharraf. If Musharraf could be half of a dictator of today's Egypt, there would be peace and Pakistan would still be progressing. Its too late now, the lion is down and Jackals are all brave.
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Omar Khan
Aug 20, 2013 07:36pm
This entire country has become one big Joke and those in here crying for the blood of Musharaf ought to worry about themselves first becasue I fee pity for them
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Afrooz
Aug 20, 2013 08:08pm
Either free him or hang him. Stop wasting the countries resources and money on this theater. There are tonnes of real cases pending for years in our courts. Please focus on them instead.
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mohammad allam
Aug 20, 2013 08:10pm
The Pakistani don't respect their national heroes.See the case of Abdul Qadeer Khan,how he was humiliated.Pakistan is run by syndicate men of military,political parties and judiciary.
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Dr Danish
Aug 20, 2013 08:15pm
This is absolute level of political vendetta by Nawaz and his government. If it is a matter of no one is above the law, then there are many ill characters who must be brought to justice. Judiciary is now a joke in Pakistan and I do think there is a lack of maturity level. Also 1999 actions of Musharaf were indemnified by the Parliament to save judges and ministers who approved Musharaf acts for throwing out Nawaz's gov. Those characters are also culprits who supported him fully.
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max
Aug 20, 2013 08:18pm
What does this do for Pakistan .. Nothing !
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Sam
Aug 20, 2013 08:24pm
@Raja: Well I would say the best president we had was Zial UL Haq. 11 years and things progressed upwards. Pakistan has seen best GDP growth, development and economic growth during that era. Other than all era's
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waseem
Aug 20, 2013 08:27pm
@indian: You will always tell lies.....Indian Parliament was caused by Indian Intelligence....and you guys blamed it on us.....I am sure we will hear something similar on Mumbai as well.
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Asad Khan
Aug 20, 2013 08:33pm
Musharraf may have made mistakes during his reign, but this is not one of those. This case should have been thrown out as having no basis. Heresay is not evidence. Courts wasting the time of the country and taking it on an unchartered path.
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Syed Ahmed
Aug 20, 2013 08:37pm
It is sad indeed that Benazir became a victim of a conspiracy
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Qaiser Bakhtiari
Aug 20, 2013 08:37pm
My Biggest problem with this whole scenario is that why did the courts charge him with Benazirs murder only when he was out of power. Were these very courts and the justice system taking a nap when he was in power.
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Loyal
Aug 20, 2013 08:45pm
It is in the interest of the establishment to keep focus on Musharaf so that our
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MK
Aug 20, 2013 08:44pm
@Ahmed: What about others who have been doing bad things for pakistan even before musharaf. Here is the thing that we pakistanis are so naive that we cannot make a difference between good or bad. I am not saying that musharraf has not done anything wrong but he was not bad as the current governement and the government before him. For God sake open your eyes. My question is what about the curretn governemnt. can you say something...I do not think so.
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Shahzad
Aug 20, 2013 08:45pm
I am not a supporter of Musharraf but when I saw the headline I said to myself 'I hate this country'. Why does such non-sense happen in our country?
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AJ
Aug 20, 2013 08:49pm
@Absar: Just to add further, if Musharraf as an ex president of Pakistan is responsible for crimes committed during his presidential period than SC must prosecute every president and prime minister, held the presidential office up to date. However, saying that Chaudary Justice has turn a blind eye for the responsible of Karachi killings, country wide bomb blasting and TTP blackmail. Ironically, we are dying to negotiate with Taliban's who openly accepts the killing of innocent people and but at the same time we are falsely accusing a president who established peace and tranquility during is ruler ship. How Hypocritical can you be?
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Syed SM
Aug 20, 2013 08:57pm
Benazir returned to Pakistan under a deal. Restoration of popular democracy, Benazir prime minister and Musharraf President. Who was the looser after Benazir death. Musharraf. So why should he think of killing her. It is the fear amongst feudal ruling class that Musharraf coming to power through election will seal their fate. Why are they not after the prime minister, home minister etc who were the actual executing authorities. Why cases are not filed againswt them in court. Wrong precedents are being set,which will have grave consequences for future rulers.
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Syed
Aug 20, 2013 09:07pm
After 9/11 America was mad and ready to do any thing to take revenge and teach lesson to Al Qaida and its supporters. On one side was sole supper power and on the other side very weak Pakistan with hostile neighbour. One can judge American power that Arab Spring is being reversed. Musharraf made a mistake, he should have not surrenderd before America actually bombing Pakistan for few days.
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M. Siddique
Aug 20, 2013 09:09pm
@debater: No one asked him to come in politics. He was the one set aside the constitution and usurped power and entered politics.
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Zobia Khan
Aug 20, 2013 09:09pm
@debater: Yes, but its also payback. During his time in power he started several bogus cases against PPP leaders. So they left this little gift for him.
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Khusro
Aug 20, 2013 09:23pm
Pervez Musharraf was the best president Pakistan ever had. What is happening to him is not justice.
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Gull khan
Aug 20, 2013 09:28pm
According to section 120 A and B of Pakistan penal code 1860 he'll face just imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 to 9 year and not death sentence.
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Gull khan
Aug 20, 2013 09:30pm
According to section 120 A and B of Pakistan penal code 1860 he'll face just imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 to 9 year and not death sentence.
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Munir
Aug 20, 2013 09:29pm
@Raja: You forgot the third one. After reading most of the comments, it appears the general mindset of the commentators is not very far from the Talibans. Finding a sadest pleasure to hang Musharaf, forgetting that the world is laughing at the Pakistanis because they hang their ex-Presidents. Surley, if that becomes the tradition it is no different than the Muslim Moghals. This mindset is neither good for Pakistan nor for Islam.
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Rookie
Aug 20, 2013 09:36pm
@Ahmed: Totally Disagree.... there are millions of other cases that werent solved and this one got solved in few months... I am not in his favor but without enough evidence you are giving a verdict thats a Shame.... and he was a President too so why dont he get excluded from whatever happened and yes Salman Taseer was killed in last Govt so then they are also responsible... its all Crap... Our System Sucks or our Govt and Judiciary!
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asif
Aug 20, 2013 09:50pm
@AHMAD: Dont understand why 30 thumbs are down for this statement that 'nobody is above the law..'
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NASR
Aug 20, 2013 10:00pm
@dr. tashfeen: Dr Tashfeen I say you are wrong. For the state of affairs our country is in, we as a nation is responsible. If he was responsible then why on earth did you allowed him to carry this responsibility. Did we all as a nation have guts to do what is being done in Egypt today. Of course a big big NO.
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NASR
Aug 20, 2013 10:03pm
@AHMAD: Which law? Our country's law then you must be kidding! Where is the law for Arsalan Iftikhar Chaudhry.
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NASR
Aug 20, 2013 10:04pm
@Mubashir: If he is here to settle scores then another big embarrassment for him is in the waiting
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SOHAIL KHAN
Aug 20, 2013 10:07pm
Why charging an honorable dignified police officer like Saud Aziz, if someone look at his past will find that he is a hard working and honest police officer
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Shaps
Aug 20, 2013 10:07pm
Today. We would do anything to get the Mushi days back. They were way better than this. His mistakes have been admitted, because he is brave man. A leader stands up for his doings. Not hide when the nation needs them the most. the focus should be on people like zardari and the current setup.
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Sacha Pakistani
Aug 20, 2013 10:26pm
Musharaf was the best Pakistani leader when he was a dictator for the first three years and the worst leader when he later legitimized his dictatorship with a sham democracy
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Abbas Mohammed
Aug 20, 2013 10:43pm
Benazir Bhutto gave a press conferance where she clearly said that she did not want any security help from the Musharraf government, then after the gun/bomb attack the bhutto party were criticizing the government for not providing adequete security. You cant have it both ways. Pakistans best years were during the Musharraf government. Mass rebuilding of homes, Hospitals, Schools and most of all rights for women. The right to vote and the right to hold positions of power within the government and local councils. A soldiers job is to protect his country form all threats foreign and domestic and thats what Mussharaf did as a soldier and as a leader. It is obviouse to anyone with a brain cell that it was the Taliban/islamists who killed her. The idea that any women can hold a position of power or even speak and show her face in public is abhorrent to the taliban/islamist. The zadari government has failed to protect the country against these terrorists and it is easier for them to blame the one man who could have put and end to the terrorist threat in pakistan. Start thinking people!!
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gangadin
Aug 20, 2013 10:47pm
Who is paying for all this security and why? What is he afraid of? In his own words he said that he is a soldier and has returned to Pakistan to face the allegations against him.
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Proud Pakistani
Aug 20, 2013 11:15pm
He was one of the persons who were sincere with their country and its people. Wanted to us to feel more proud of our Nation. Looking at the comments and their ratings, I am so glad to see that his efforts are being realized and acknowledged and well the brain washed who will vote even for a Monkey if he belongs to their party will always exist.
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AJ
Aug 20, 2013 11:36pm
@dr. tashfeen: Will your substantiate you comments please?
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Mell
Aug 20, 2013 11:45pm
We never learn our lessons!
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A Pakistani
Aug 20, 2013 11:50pm
For those calling Musharraf a dictator and shouting slogans against him. Look at what Mubarak, Sisi and Qaddafi did to their people and nations. They are the true dictators. Musharraf was more democratic than any government this country has ever seen. I pray for his well being. Ameen
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AM
Aug 20, 2013 11:51pm
@dr. tashfeen: Mushariff is not responsible for current condition of Pakistan...General Zia-ul-Haq is. Get your facts right.
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priyangshu
Aug 20, 2013 11:56pm
@Ahmed: well said
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Afaq
Aug 21, 2013 12:06am
Criminals in court, in government, and in general population. One can imagine justice by the criminals for the criminals of the criminals.
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kausik
Aug 21, 2013 12:14am
The Military is very strong and dictated policies in Pakistan and have been sending subtle messages to PM nawaz Sharif when they decided to escalate tensions with India by crossing LOC.now Mr Sharif is in a bind as he truly believes in easing tensions and improving trade relationship with India.every one wants peace except the Armed forces.Democracy must not fail in Pakistan it is sad that BB was assassinated and no culprits found.Mr Musharraf is banking on his friends in Army to bail him out of this and Kargil investigation.PM Sharif is on dangerous turf with Army pulling strings.
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Ali Ansari
Aug 21, 2013 12:45am
@dr. tashfeen: Really? He was the only MAN among strings of slave rulers.
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Danny Adam
Aug 21, 2013 01:01am
Pakistanis need to learn from Bangladesh. Even with some minor political problem, that country is economically booming and will be in par with some European country by 2030. As long as Bangalees don't get too fanatics like the Pakistanis.
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Zobia Khan
Aug 21, 2013 01:03am
@BKH: I could never understand why he returned? He was living comfortably abroad.
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Zobia Khan
Aug 21, 2013 01:05am
@Dila: Why is this not an issue? He abrogated the constitution, and deposed an elected government, imposed military rule. He should get a summary trial and hanged.
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Ebrahim
Aug 21, 2013 01:04am
@M S Sheikh: Your wish will never be fulfilled.
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abbas
Aug 21, 2013 01:06am
@Manhas: Pakistans first step to democracy is to seperate religion and politics.
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Imran A.
Aug 21, 2013 01:20am
If you look at the thumbs up vs thumbs down, it shows that about 70% are against the decision and 30% in favor. I am sure if Musharaf was allowed to participate in elections, he would have won by 70% margin.
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MALLIKARJUNA SHARMA
Aug 21, 2013 01:30am
'Erakkapoayi vacchaanu, Irukku poayaanu!' ani vicaaristunnale Musharraf [means Musharraf should be lamenting now that "Oh I came in ignorance of all these dangers, and now I am badly trapped!"]
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Parvez
Aug 21, 2013 01:38am
The way I see it is that he will be let of...................the grounds are being prepared and carefully orchestrated so that everyone comes out looking clean ...........or seeming to look clean.
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max
Aug 21, 2013 01:44am
Nothing more than a political farce despite the fact that Pakistan is nowadays referred to as "andheeristan".
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AbbasToronto
Aug 21, 2013 01:44am
It is d
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Najamuddin
Aug 21, 2013 01:55am
Gen Musharraf with all the authority and resources of billions and billions of dollars could have improved the inherited electric supply, water supply, WAPDA, Steel Mills, PIA, Railways and other industrial n public institutions. But his Govt, allies and his successors instead improving the conditions bankrupted all the institutions in spite of devouring thousands of billions dollars loans as explained by PM Nawaz Sharif in his latest national address and left the people and the Country under the darkness of load shedding, terrorism, economic crisis and hopelessness
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Syed Zaheer Ali
Aug 21, 2013 01:56am
Musharraf was not responsible for the death of Benazir. She provide the chance to the murderer by popping up from the sun roof of the car. One should investigate, if there is any, the phone conversation just before her death, which prompted her to pop up
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Ray
Aug 21, 2013 02:31am
@AHMAD: The Chief justice is.
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Ray
Aug 21, 2013 02:32am
@indian: Pakistan's GDP was anongst its highest during his time - get your factss right.
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Asif
Aug 21, 2013 02:43am
The govt is making a mistake. This will only make the General more popular in the eyes of common men as everyone knows that old scores are being settled here. But InshAllah there is no proof to convict him and he will go free.
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Babbarsher Khan
Aug 21, 2013 02:47am
Judicial activism gone wild! Musharraf is no democrat but the court has done is making nascent Pakistani democracy more fragile.
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eeshan Ahmed
Aug 21, 2013 03:05am
I really wish we channeled our efforts into solving the energy crises and unemployment, instead of burning resources for the sake of political vendettas.
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Sana
Aug 21, 2013 03:59am
Musharraf is privy to many secrets.. Let him spill the beans!! It is unlikely he would be a party to Benazir assassination because he had nothing to gain from the murder..and neither would the Taliban want to kill her because if anything she was trying to negotiate with Taliban... The person that needs to be interrogated thoroughly is Rehman Malik who is ex MI6 employee and who brokered the deal with Musharraf.. he holds a lot more information.. and so far no one has grilled him. Nahid Khan is another person close to BB .. she should be opening her mouth fairly soon when Zardari comes off his throne!! Musharraf's greatest folly was the NRO.. he should have held free fair and transparent elections open to all political parties including PML-N.. That would have raised his stature in the yes of the nation .. BUT ALAS HE FELL PREY TO THE LUST FOR BEING THE LIFE PRESIDENT OF PAKISTAN!!! FOOLISH MAN GUILTY OF POLITICAL CORRUPTION BUT MURDERER OF BENAZIR AND CORRUPT HE WAS NOT.
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samin ahmed
Aug 21, 2013 04:23am
beautiful! Pakistan, first you killed Bhutto, now it is Musharraf' turn especially with Nawaz as PM. Of course no one is above the law if there is a law. In Pakistan only thing that matters is Power and money. Don't Taliban of TTP seem to be just and justified at this stage? 50 years ago I left Pakistan. I am glad I did.
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Jawaid Ekram
Aug 21, 2013 04:54am
Is there a valid proof? Or we are prosecuting him based on valid proof
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Jawaid Ekram
Aug 21, 2013 04:54am
@bilal: It is embracing how the Pakistan courts are running a sham.
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S.M.H Rizvi
Aug 21, 2013 06:57am
Well I do not think Nawaz Sharif will let Musharraf get away, just as Zia did not let Bhutto get away. It is a matter of revenge. Nawaz Sharif playing smart that he has put forward the case of Benazir rather than any other so he may gather the favors of Pakistan Peoples Party in executing Musharraf. Just SHAME
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Khalid mahmood
Aug 21, 2013 07:34am
Hero is always is a hero, Mushraff ia hero.
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Enaam E. Hanid
Aug 21, 2013 08:18am
The job which the Zardari was supposed to do has to be done by the judiciary. PPP government was never serious to take and follow up her murder case. I am surprised that the BB's personal security officer is not being taken to task who also showed his negligence and carelessness rather left her at the mercy of the police instead to take her to hospital and get her postmortem done.
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Rashad
Aug 21, 2013 09:11am
Musharraf was the best thing that could've happened to this country. We can now live under raja bilawal saeen and ameer ul momineen Mian -e-Azam for ever.. because that's what we deserve. As said by a great man once "Pakistan ka... Allah hee Hafiz!" Oh and waiting for 2018 for another extension of 10 years in bringing an end to laod shedding in pakistan quite U -turn in 6 months!!
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Pakistani
Aug 21, 2013 09:12am
Again the man gives us hope & prosperity, is in jail, the court again raise the matter which is not solve Pakistan terrible situation.
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Romi
Aug 21, 2013 10:14am
Man is responsible for Kargil misadventure & will have to pay for it
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George Thakur
Aug 21, 2013 10:56am
My interest in life is in the upgradation of human society, so everyone including cattle and dogs live a life without pain and with enough food and birds are not caged. My wish and program is quite achievable -- if we all recognise that Planet Earth is the only planet where life is known to exist. By foolishly and in the name of a God we do not actually know much solid about overpopulate it, we may soon kill all life on this planet. Humanity is my religion. My studies have affirmed to me that what an unemancipated person calls "God" is in fact "Nature". You need not agree with my philosophy, but in the name of the same God YOU believe in, look after this planet.
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I. Iqbal
Aug 21, 2013 11:07am
@Zak: Well said !
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Shaekspare
Aug 21, 2013 12:36pm
@Raja: Count me as the third person, who was not happy with Musharaf presidemcy.
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Syed Asif Zafar
Aug 21, 2013 12:39pm
i belive musharraf is not the person who invloved regarding benazir murder case.this only personal against Present of pakistan Pervez Musharraf.Nawaz goverement is fail in pakistan to handle any issues.which shown in his recently on Tv.Pakistan need to address others issues to slove for better and save pakistan.Those pakistani who live in western world they have better postion.But the person like me and many others who work in middle east where they go.????. Pakistan need to be a better place live.Only imran Khan can do .Not nawaz or any others
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Shaekspare
Aug 21, 2013 12:42pm
@Zain: Please change the spellings of your name in English - as it rhymes with pain, rain, vain... when spoken by an Englishman. In Urdu they are ok, but in English make it Zayn.
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Shaekspare
Aug 21, 2013 12:47pm
@A Kashmiri: Please keep your heroes in Kashmir - tied to a leash - please do not let them wander in Islamabad.
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Shaekspare
Aug 21, 2013 12:51pm
@NPervez: Your information of the present is too late - He is not the president any more ;-
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Shaekspare
Aug 21, 2013 12:54pm
@Zak: You have anlicised the name, why not the nationality as well - Mr Zakaria?
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Shaekspare
Aug 21, 2013 12:56pm
@Alwyn: Good one ;-
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Alok
Aug 21, 2013 01:55pm
Dictators throwing elected governments deserve this fate. Hope Sisi is watching. Turkey is best example where the Army's influence has been curtailed and country is progressing.
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Sonal
Aug 21, 2013 03:00pm
Going by the number of likes for pro-Musharraf comments, and dislikes for anti-Musharraf comments, it looks like he was quite a popular guy? I know Pakistan did well economically under him, but didn't know you guys love him! It surely didn't show in the cold welcome given to him when he returned to Pak to contest the elections?
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Nurse
Aug 21, 2013 03:26pm
I was proud of President Pervez Musharraf and I am still proud of him!!! May Allah help him and his family during his rough time. May Allah guide us and our corrupt courts!
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Umair
Aug 21, 2013 03:41pm
@dr. tashfeen: Hopefully you dont excercise this bad judgment in your professional field.
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ameer mukhtiar
Aug 22, 2013 12:04am
i am a layman and i dont know why our government and our so called sincere judiciary is not realizing that at the time of incident on 27 Dec 2007 Mrs BB was standing in the roof of his parado. it was the duty of that security officer not to allow the banazir bhutto to stand in the roof of her parado. president or PM can just give the orders for security and on ground implemention is the responsibility of concerned police authorities.
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Mohammad Yamin
Aug 22, 2013 02:13am
@AM: You are very right
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Mohammad Yamin
Aug 22, 2013 02:30am
The case against Musharraf is nothing but vendetta. Allah's mercy is with the truthful. Falsehood will ultimately perish. Pervez Musharraf was a devoted Pakistani and he ruled the country judiciously and efficiently
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Solitar
Aug 22, 2013 12:40pm
@Alok: The dictator banned terrorist groups & Pakistan did well in economics as compared to rest of the corrupt democrates!
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Rao
Aug 22, 2013 01:33pm
Whatever may be his contribution to the country, he should be behind bars, if it is proven that he is behind Bibi's murder
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assad
Aug 22, 2013 03:56pm
@Zobia Khan: The supreme court approved of the takeover. Get your facts straight before mouthing off nonsense that is bare on facts!!!!!
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rana1639
Aug 22, 2013 07:06pm
@Solitar: he was not democratically placed in PK, he should also be charged for treason for removing a democratically elected government of the time.
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rana1639
Aug 22, 2013 07:08pm
@Mohammad Yamin: and a situation was created to place him called TREASON
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rana1639
Aug 22, 2013 07:22pm
@Solitar: musharaf came to power on a coup , and for all those who praise him that the economy was good with him are surely mistaken, because the economy was already good during the democratic government,and all he did was continue with the already well set economy, until his exile by a democratic government that replaced him thou this time time PPP was a disgrace under that Zardari.
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anwar khushab
Aug 22, 2013 11:59pm
@ameer mukhtiar: Surely it was the responsibility of Benazir herself. She was a grown up woman, educated at Oxford and Harvard Universities. Did she not understand that asking Musharraf for a bullet-proof car and then standing outside it was a very stupid thing to do? There were three other persons inside the car, none of whom got injured in the shooting or the blast. It is time that we in Pakistan took responsibility for our own actions, instead of always playing the victim and trying to blame someone else. I am a strong opponent of Musharraf and think he should be held accountable for many things, but BB's death is not one of them.
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Fawzia Hyat
Aug 23, 2013 07:02am
In 350 AD, when the prophet mohmmed pbuh returned to mecca he exacted no revenge on the population of the city but instead pardoned those who had tried to assinate him and annilihate his followers. This was an extraordinary act of kindness and mercy from an extraordinary leader of mankind. Nawaz Sharif and the chief justice have been waiting to exact their revenge on general mussharaf. I can imagine their glee when he finally fell into their hands. Frankly it seems ridiculous that in the reign of the PPP musharraf remained a free man. The killing of benazir bhutto is just an excuse. Nawaz Sharif would do well to try and follow our beloved Prophet pbuh. He must understand that a worthy leader does not walk the narrow path of vengence and mean spiritedness but of magnanimity and utmost kindness. Look within yourself first and change what is wrong in your soul before you cast aspersions on those who may be completely innocent.
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