YOUR top story ‘A surprise from Nisar: govt to prosecute Musharraf for treason’ (Nov 18) is spot on.

When the whole nation was expecting information regarding the unfortunate killings in Rawalpindi, our interior minister gave a ‘surprise’ to the nation about the treason case against Musharraf.

This move is a diversionary tactic to cover up government’s failure to douse the flame of sectarian killings on the Ashura day.

The nation is fed up with daily killings, suicide bombings, everyday rising prices of commodities and now this fresh sectarian killings. But the government seems to be more interested in initiating a case of treason in which a lay man is least interested.

Ayub Khan celebrated his decade of reforms, Gen Ziaul Haq used religion to strengthen his rule and to divert the minds of countrymen from real issues, but such centuries - old tactics are not expected from an elected government.

The history of Pakistan is stained by the blood of many coups and unconstitutional acts committed by both civilian and armed forces governments.

But never was a treason case initiated against those who have played havoc with the destiny of the nation. The wrongdoing of all the past governments must be corrected and a commission must be formed to bring the facts before the nation before initiating any treason case only against Musharraf.

Gen Musharraf returned to the country to face not only various challenges, but even the death threats, and decided to contest elections to follow the democratic path.

Benazir Bhutto’s saying ‘Democracy is the best revenge’ will stand true for the centuries to come, but Gen Musharraf has been denied the opportunity to follow the path of democracy. The people of Pakistan, the real custodians of the country, would have decided the fate of the ex - general through the voice of their vote had they been given a chance to present himself before the court of people. Let the future historians decide whether he committed treason or not.

AAMIR AQIL

Lahore

Honourable way

IN October 2007 there was a case in the Sindh High Court regarding the legality of Musharraf fighting the election for president in uniform. There was a strong possibility of a verdict against him. It has been speculated that the emergency was declared to basically pre - empt action by about 60 judges of the superior judiciary.

The Supreme Court has now asked each of the five high courts to nominate on Nov 20 a judge for the tribunal which will try Gen ( r) Musharraf for high treason.

Musharraf’s spokesperson has stated that all the people involved in the Nov 3, 2007, emergency will be named by Musharraf. An army officer is expected to be a gentleman -- a man of honour. The honourable thing to do is to stand upright and take full responsibility for one’s actions rather than put blame on one’s colleagues. In fact, an honourable person would actually absolve them of any blame.

The Supreme Court in its July 31, 2009, judgment ruled that declaring emergency on Nov 3, 2007, and his subsequent orders were unconstitutional and ultra vires of the constitution.

A gentleman and a man of honour would admit his mistake, apologise and seek forgiveness of the people of Pakistan.

This is the honourable option for Musharraf.

INAM KHAWAJA

Karachi

Govt’s haste

THE press conference recently called by the interior minister in a hurry to inform the nation that Gen Pervez Musharraf is going to be tried for high treason under Article 6 lacked clarity.

The minister could not distinguish between a commission and a trial court. Furthermore, not knowing the whole phenomenon, Chaudhry Nisar was a bit jittery while answering the questions by journalists.

A hefty inquiry report from the FIA was received on Nov 16 , and a press conference was called the next day, though Rawalpindi was under curfew.

The minister should have gone through the inquiry report and consulted legal experts before addressing the press conference. Heavens would not have fallen if the press conference was delayed for a couple of days.

Moreover, the FIA should have recorded Musharraf’s statement. If he was not feeling well, they might have waited for a few days to get his statement. No one should be condemned unheard.

S. TAJAMMAL H. RIZVI

Lahore