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Thursday, March 14, 2024

Investigations against Musharraf continues, while no inquiry into Kiyani’s drug/pharma scandal

News Analysis |

Pakistan’s former President and Chief of the Army Staff General (r) Pervez Musharraf seems to be in real trouble as the National Accountability Bureau has launched inquiry against him for abuse of power and amassing assets beyond means.

The decision, to prosecute the former president, was made during a meeting headed by Chairman Justice Javed Iqbal on Friday, who also ordered inquiries against other individuals as well. Although the former president is facing trial in multiple cases and has been declared a fugitive in the Benazir Bhutto Murder Case, this is the first time; he would be interrogated by the accountability watchdog over alleged financial misappropriation.

The inquiry comes on the heels of a statement given by Lt Col Inaam Rahim who had moved the anti-corruption body against the former president. He claimed Musharraf owned eight properties in Pakistan: three properties in Karachi, two in Islamabad and one in Lahore and Gwadar each – and two abroad.

Part of the bundle of woes for the former dictator could be ascertained to his 1999 coup and November 2007 emergency, however, his political ambitions, could have a say in the unending probe against him.

The complainant also revealed that properties in the name of Ms. Sehba Musharraf existed in Karachi, Dubai, UAE and the United Kingdom. Some luxury vehicles are also registered in her name.

Surprisingly, just a day prior to the decision of NAB, to make Pervez Musharraf accountable, the Supreme Court of Pakistan turned down a petition filed – by the same Lt Col Inaam Rahim –  against former military chief and Musharraf’s successor, General Ashfaq Parvez Kiyani. The apex court was moved by the military personnel over the alleged compliance of former Chief of Army Staff with former military spokesperson General Athar Abbas in a drugs related scandal.

Read more: Musharraf given a safe passage to return to Pakistan

The petitioner had asked for a complete audit of the medical store tendered, purchased and procured by the improperly established depots at 27 Combined Military Hospitals, pleading that, through a proxy, General Athar Abbas established a pharmaceutical company named Medizan Laboratories, whose drugs were found to be spurious after testing in Punjab, however, the apex court rejected the petition, citing multiple reasons.

The strange move, displayed by the vibrant and thriving Supreme Court and a bold decision by the recently restructured National Accountability Bureau, might have legal implications in its purview, however, on the surface; the post-retirement stint of both the military generals might have played a part as well.

Pakistan’s former President and Chief of the Army Staff General (r) Pervez Musharraf seems to be in real trouble as the National Accountability Bureau has launched inquiry against him for abuse of power and amassing assets beyond means.

Pervez Musharraf had seized power after a bloodless coup in 1999 and ruled the country till he was forced to tender resignation in 2008, after being threatened by an impeachment move; Ashfaq Parvez Kiyani had replaced Musharraf after a mysterious National Reconciliation Ordinance struck between his predecessor and Pakistan People’s Party, and went home after he got a three-year extension by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani, in 2010.

Read more: Musharraf Vs Sharif Clan: Double Standards of Ahsan Iqbal & Interior…

Although the role of Musharraf is central to what happened in the country from 1999 to 2008, considering key events from the initiation of war against terrorism to the Red Mosque carnage and sacking the Chief Justice, Kiyani’s stint was no less crucial, considering the operation Neptune Spear that led to the killing of al-Qaeda chief, Osama bin Laden. However, Musharraf has been in constant trouble after his departure from the President House, while Parvez Kiyani has not faced any trial to this day.

As far as Kiyani’s personal reputation is considered, the above mentioned drug related saga taints his personality, however, another scam relates to his brother, Kamran Kiyani, and is more damaging for the former military boss as Kamra Kiyani is allegedly involved in a 15 billion rupees scam regarding the purchase of land for the Defense Housing Authority’s project i.e. DHA City in Lahore.

The apex court was moved by the military personnel over the alleged compliance of former Chief of Army Staff with former military spokesperson General Athar Abbas in a drugs related scandal.

So why is Kiyani thriving in Pakistan while Musharraf is not being able to get back to the country. Apart from the legal consequences Musharraf can face in the country concerning the Ghazi Abdur Rasheed Case and Benazir Bhutto Murder Case, his political role after 2008 seems to be the reason, he is not being spared.

Read more: Shehbaz to rule Pakistan next: Musharraf

Comparing the two military generals, Musharraf’s clout outsmarts Kiyani, he had personal links with the international leaders, had commanded a military with an iron fist, however, he is still under the radar of multiple institutions from superior judiciary to National Accountability Bureau.

Part of the bundle of woes for the former dictator could be ascertained to his 1999 coup and November 2007 emergency, however, his political ambitions, could have a say in the unending probe against him.

Though the anti-corruption watchdog has intensified its anti-corruption drive and had filed references against four former military generals in the Royal Palm Golf and Country Club, the test of its spine would be the procedures it would take in its investigations against Pervez Musharraf, who might not be able to travel back to Pakistan once again owing to latest developments.