Recent political developments in the country give a kind of signal that things in Pakistan are becoming more and more serious for Musharraf. It all started when former Protocol Officer to Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and member of the PPP Federal Council Chaudhary Muhammad Aslam, Advocate, has formally sought registration of a murder case against former President Pervez Musharraf and others for their alleged involvement in her assassination.
This news appeared in the daily News on the day when the UN commission arrived in Pakistan to probe the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. This really was very disturbing news for Musharraf and all those who brokered the deal between Musharraf and the PPP.
To counter this perception about him that he has nothing to do with the murder of Benazir Bhutto, Musharraf bought the air time on Aaj TV and very cleverly he chose ‘Bolta Pakistan’ for this purpose because he knew that when both Mushtaq Minhas and Nusrat Javed would say anything about him people would listen. And it did work. Almost entire show was discussed on a group of Britons of Pakistani origin which calls itself ‘Lovers of Musharraf’ wants to re-launch the general into Pakistani politics soon after the two-year post-retirement mandatory period comes to an end in September this year and is confident that his return would be even more triumphant than the one which was witnessed during Benazir Bhutto’s 1986 return home.
I strongly believe Musharraf will never come back but the news of his return from ‘Lovers of Musharraf’ did create some anxiety in Zardari because Zardari had agreed under a deal that he or his party will not register any FIR against Musharraf. But in case if Musharraf decides to return Zardari or his government would be under tremendous pressure from the people and there would not be an easy escape for them this time around.
The ideal situation for Musharraf would be to see serious differences between Zardari and Nawaz Sharif. But Zardari very cleverly makes his move and decides to meet Nawaz Sharif in Raiwand. The political analysts and media were of the view that both leaders would be discussing the issues like repeal of 17th amendment, energy crisis, war on terror etc but it wasn’t the case. This move of Zardari was to send a clear message to Musharraf.
If we recall a very important event when Musharraf before his resignation had visited Karachi and there he talked against the PPP government. This visit cost him dearly. Zardari felt threatened and it ended up into resignation of Musharraf.
I would like to state here that why Musharraf talked against the newly formed government despite of his apparently weak position. Though he never considered that he does not have the same power he used to enjoy as the COAS.
The deal U.S. brokered between Musharraf and Benazir was that after the elections the prime minister would be from the PPP and Musharraf would remain the president. Although, Musharraf because of his dictatorial mindset had initially refused to share power with Benazir but Condi Rice played a major role in brokering the deal. Even after agreeing on the deal Musharraf wasn’t 100% ready to honor the deal. He had other plans on his mind. On December 27, 2007, world witnessed the implementation of his plan.
Ever since the formation of the PPP government after the Feb 18 elections not a single PPP minister ever said any strong words against Musharraf. But sensing the current political developments and weakening political position of Zardari, Finance minister from Punjab cabinet, Tanvir Kaira held Musharraf and Shaukat Aziz responsible for every mess in the country and demanded his trial upon his return to Pakistan. Now even Chaudhries who were the most beneficiaries like the MQM since October 12, 1999 till Musharraf’s resignation are holding Musharraf responsible for Lal Masjid incident, Bugti’s murder etc.
So, the message for Musharraf is very loud and clear that “DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT RETURNING BACK TO PAKISTAN”.
