| They're gonna start chucking shoes at him real soon now... |
The ANP, PPP-P and PML-N senators appreciated the decision of the Islamabad High Court against Musharaf, but regretted that instead of arresting him, the state security agencies helped him reach his farmhouse safely. The House was informed that there were two types of laws in the country, one for civilian and another for the armed forces. They noted that under civilian law, two sitting prime ministers were sentenced by the court, but under armed forces law, Musharraf was given safe passage instead of being arrested for his alleged crimes.
Some senators questioned why Rangers and commando escorts were given to Musharraf, while security for political leaders, who they said faced real threats and were being killed during political campaigns, was withdrawn. Senator Zahid Khan said that an elected prime minister was given a 30-second sentence and was sent home, but massive security was given to the dictator. "Why these double standards for civilian and military personnel," he questioned. Senator Khan said Musharraf's escape from the court is a shameful act and the world will question us over it.
PPP leader Senator Raza Rabbani regretted that a dictator who had arrested an elected prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, and disgraced the judiciary was allowed to go home under tight state security. He said the interim government must ponder why Musharraf was given so much security. Saeed Ghani of the PPP said Musharraf is responsible for the ongoing attacks on political leaders. He should be given punishment, but at the same time his associates should not be left free. He expressed his astonishment that the courts granted bail before arrest to Musharraf before his arrival.
Speaking on the occasion, PML-N's Senator Mushahidullah said the "crime list" of Musharraf is too long, saying he was involved in the killing of Akbar Bugti, Benazir Bhutto, handing over of Aafia Siddique to the US, Lal Masjid operation, taking the country to war. Today, he said some people are giving statements against Musharraf, but they were with him in the past. "Today, Musharraf ran away from the court and may escape the country tomorrow, however, today's decision of IHC was historic," he observed.