A day after India celebrated 25 years of victory in the Kargil War on July 26, a controversy erupted in Kerala over a decision to honour former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf. The incident took place on Saturday (Jul 27) when the Bank of India Staff Union decided to honour Musharraf in Kerala’s Alappuzha.

The event was organised to honour several people mentioned in the tribute list of the Bank of India’s union at their 23rd conference in Alappuzha. The conference was expected to be attended by AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal, as per the programme notice. However, he was absent from the event.

Musharraf is often dubbed as the mastermind of the 1999 Kargil intrusion by Pakistan into India.

Following huge protests by BJP workers outside the conference venue in Comrade Poly George Nagar, the former Pakistan President’s name was removed from the list.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-armys-ssg-commandos-behind-jammu-kupwara-terror-attacks-former-top-police-official-745226">Pakistan Army’s SSG commandos behind Jammu, Kupwara terror attacks: Former top police official</a>

Despite the name being removed from the list, the social media erupted in outrage over such a shabby display of negligence. Several netizens argued that honouring Musharraf, who orchestrated the Kargil infiltration that resulted in the deaths of 527 Indian soldiers, is a gross disrespect to the memory of the Kargil War heroes.

Kargil war veteran and former Indian Army Chief, General VP Malik also showed his protest over the issue and shared it on X.

He wrote on X,&nbsp;“Hope Kerala State Govt will take exemplary action against Union leaders trying to organise such a meeting.”

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Hope Kerala State Govt will take exemplary action against Union leaders trying to organise such a meeting. <a href="https://twitter.com/CmKerala?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CmKerala</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/cskerala?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cskerala</a> <a href="https://t.co/gj1KuyvIgy">https://t.co/gj1KuyvIgy</a>
— Ved Malik (@Vedmalik1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vedmalik1/status/1817584263363232239?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The Kargil War took place between May and July 1999, when Pakistani paramilitary forces infiltrated Indian territory in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir. The infiltration was ordered by then-Pakistan Army Chief Musharraf, which was ultimately thwarted by Indian forces. The conflict ended with India regaining control of the territory and is commemorated annually as Kargil Vijay Diwas.

<h2>Pakistan on PM Modi’s Kargil Vijay Diwas speech</h2>

Meanwhile, Pakistan on Friday (July 26) rejected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks at an event in Drass in Ladakh as “rhetorical statements,” and said it cannot deflect international attention from India’s alleged efforts to suppress the Kashmiri people.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/within-10-minutes-horrific-video-shows-water-gushing-into-upsc-coaching-centre-in-delhi-745188">'Within 10 minutes...': Horrific video shows water gushing into UPSC coaching centre in Delhi</a>

Modi was addressing a ceremony held at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras,&nbsp;Ladakh, to mark the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas.

Prime Minister Modi issued a stern message to Pakistan, saying it has been trying to stay relevant by using terrorism and proxy wars but all such terror attempts will be crushed with full force.

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after India celebrated 25 years of victory in the Kargil War on July 26, a controversy erupted in Kerala over a decision to honour former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf.

A day after India celebrated 25 years of victory in the Kargil War on July 26, a controversy erupted in Kerala over a decision to honour former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf. The incident took place on Saturday (Jul 27) when the Bank of India Staff Union decided to honour Musharraf in Kerala’s Alappuzha. The event was organised to honour several people mentioned in the tribute list of the Bank of India’s union at their 23rd conference in Alappuzha. The conference was expected to be attended by AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal, as per the programme notice. However, he was absent from the event. Musharraf is often dubbed as the mastermind of the 1999 Kargil intrusion by Pakistan into India. Following huge protests by BJP workers outside the conference venue in Comrade Poly George Nagar, the former Pakistan President’s name was removed from the list. Also Read | Pakistan Army’s SSG commandos behind Jammu, Kupwara terror attacks: Former top police official Despite the name being removed from the list, the social media erupted in outrage over such a shabby display of negligence. Several netizens argued that honouring Musharraf, who orchestrated the Kargil infiltration that resulted in the deaths of 527 Indian soldiers, is a gross disrespect to the memory of the Kargil War heroes. Kargil war veteran and former Indian Army Chief, General VP Malik also showed his protest over the issue and shared it on X. He wrote on X, “Hope Kerala State Govt will take exemplary action against Union leaders trying to organise such a meeting.” Hope Kerala State Govt will take exemplary action against Union leaders trying to organise such a meeting. @CmKerala @cskerala https://t.co/gj1KuyvIgy — Ved Malik (@Vedmalik1) July 28, 2024 × The Kargil War took place between May and July 1999, when Pakistani paramilitary forces infiltrated Indian territory in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir. The infiltration was ordered by then-Pakistan Army Chief Musharraf, which was ultimately thwarted by Indian forces. The conflict ended with India regaining control of the territory and is commemorated annually as Kargil Vijay Diwas. Pakistan on PM Modi’s Kargil Vijay Diwas speech Meanwhile, Pakistan on Friday (July 26) rejected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks at an event in Drass in Ladakh as “rhetorical statements,” and said it cannot deflect international attention from India’s alleged efforts to suppress the Kashmiri people. Also Read | 'Within 10 minutes...': Horrific video shows water gushing into UPSC coaching centre in Delhi Modi was addressing a ceremony held at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh, to mark the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas. Prime Minister Modi issued a stern message to Pakistan, saying it has been trying to stay relevant by using terrorism and proxy wars but all such terror attempts will be crushed with full force. (With inputs from agencies)

Former Pak PM Pervez Musharraf’s name appears for tribute at Kerala event, sparks outrage

You don't exactly shed copious tears when military dictators, past or present, die. But it must be said to the dubious credit of General Pervez Musharraf that he had a cult following not only in his country, Pakistan, but also some grudging admirers, or rather hope addicts, on the side of the Indian border that his army used to violate with impunity.&nbsp;

So what/who was he? India's Congress party MP and former UN diplomat Shashi Tharoor&nbsp;is in the dock for reading some of the tea leaves left behind by Musharraf's legacy as a leader who strived for peace rather late in his career. I don't blame Tharoor. The general had a civil style that was charming, but he was far from a civilian. You have to take a deep breath and take stock of his context, approach, and mindset to truly assess his personality.&nbsp;

Facts help, especially when seen in chronological order and keeping in mind that a smart general cannot be a lone ranger in a diplomatic, political, or military game involving hundreds of millions of people.

Yes, Gen Musharraf was the butcher of Kargil, if the number of dead soldiers, both Indian and Pakistani, were to be counted for his adventurist violation of the Line of Control in Kashmir in 1999. Yes, he is a military strongman who was shrewd enough to start a successful coup literally from the skies when elected civilian prime minister Nawaz Sharif tried to sack him months later while he was on a flight back from Sri Lanka.

Benign views about Musharraf as a man of peace come from reports about his talks with then prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee in July 2001 at Agra, not from his own birthplace Delhi. His so-called 'four-point solution' to the Kashmir dispute with India involved demilitarisation of Kashmir, self-governance, and free movement of people across the LoC. under joint supervision.

The formula emanating from the Agra summit was attempted to be carried forward by BJP leader Vajpayee's successor Manmohan Singh of the Congress party.

It all sounds so good, but for the fact that Gen Musharraf was himself the elephant in the room. As a military dictator, he may have tried the old military belief that once you show strength, the rivals come to the table. That does not always work. First up, he badly lost the Kargil Conflict, and it was he who lacked strength. Secondly, as someone who overthrew an elected government, he lacked credibility. How can two countries that already had a trust deficit go on with an arrangement that has a credibility deficit as well?

Here's where we need to understand the wider context. Musharraf was in China in May 1999, the month when the Kargil conflict happened, in his role as army chief. And two months after he seized power in October, Pakistan's military wing, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was linked to the December 1999 hijack of an Indian Airlines flight from Kathmandu that led to India releasing Islamist terrorists at Kandahar in Afghanistan, where it was the ISI that set up the Taliban rule in 1996.

Pakistan also has strong military ties in with Sri Lanka, an issue that hardly figures in India's diplomatic circles but is of immense significance if you consider the idea that a military notion of surrounding one's adversary is to be brought into play. Pakistan has consistently voted against human rights resolutions against Colombo in the UN, and in return, as it were, Sri Lanka has stayed neutral in the UN on issues linked to Kashmir. Sri Lanka was a base for Pakistan's military during the East Pakistan war in 1971 which led to the liberation of Bangladesh thanks to the Indian army. Pakistan later supplied Sri Lanka with military aid and training to fight the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Interestingly enough Pakistan eventually sought Sri Lanka's support on counter-insurgency when it was itself hit by terror attacks.

Fun fact: Pakistan's ISI has even produced TV dramas (serials) to strengthen its domestic base by glorifying the army in its scripts.

Now that Pakistan's army has also dispensed with elected Prime Minister Imran Khan, once its blue-eyed boy, it is clear who is the boss - or wants to be.

Last but not least, Pakistan's military under Musharraf's leadership was seen helping bloody rioters in Karachi when clashes had erupted between the supporters of deposed Supreme Court chief justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry and activists of the MQM party. About 50 people died in the riots.

As a report in Karachi's Dawn newspaper noted: "May 12, 2007, will live long in infamy. A dictator fending off a populist challenge from a deposed chief justice had turned to his political allies to stage a show of strength.... whatever the role of the MQM, it is undeniable that Karachi was plunged into chaos on May 12 because Pervez Musharraf desired that Iftikhar Chaudhry not enter the city."

In essence, Musharraf was cut from the cloth of a Pakistan honed on military supremacist thinking. General after general in Pakistan has held sway and cracked down on or manipulated civilian groups and democratically inclined or elected governments or independent institutions like the judiciary. So what happened in the so-called peace phase of Musharraf's career may be seen as a fit case to be described by a Muslim proverb: "After devouring 900 mice, the cat set out on a Haj pilgrimage."

However shaky, democratically elected governments and independent institutions reflect a more genuine popular consensus than the propaganda-cum-armtwisting styles of militarist mindsets. Musharraf's legacy is one of a long-ruling military dictator who had scant regard for democracy or the will of common citizens. The Pakistan army's role in wide-ranging geopolitical games in South Asia as well as its undermining of popular leaders is such that you cannot easily assume that any peace generated from the Musharraf formula would have had any lasting impact.

Maybe, just maybe, both India and Pakistan can start producing movies and TV serials that show that there are peace-loving humans on both sides of the border who are regular people in regular democracies. That might work better than the iffy formula produced by the whims of a military dictator.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) &nbsp;&nbsp;

You don't exactly shed copious tears when military dictators, past or present, die. But it must be said to the dubious credit of General Pervez Musharraf that he had a cult following not only in his country, Pakistan, but also some grudging admirers, or rather hope addicts, on the side of the Indian border that his army used to violate with impunity.

You don't exactly shed copious tears when military dictators, past or present, die. But it must be said to the dubious credit of General Pervez Musharraf that he had a cult following not only in his country, Pakistan, but also some grudging admirers, or rather hope addicts, on the side of the Indian border that his army used to violate with impunity. So what/who was he? India's Congress party MP and former UN diplomat Shashi Tharoor is in the dock for reading some of the tea leaves left behind by Musharraf's legacy as a leader who strived for peace rather late in his career. I don't blame Tharoor. The general had a civil style that was charming, but he was far from a civilian. You have to take a deep breath and take stock of his context, approach, and mindset to truly assess his personality. Facts help, especially when seen in chronological order and keeping in mind that a smart general cannot be a lone ranger in a diplomatic, political, or military game involving hundreds of millions of people. Yes, Gen Musharraf was the butcher of Kargil, if the number of dead soldiers, both Indian and Pakistani, were to be counted for his adventurist violation of the Line of Control in Kashmir in 1999. Yes, he is a military strongman who was shrewd enough to start a successful coup literally from the skies when elected civilian prime minister Nawaz Sharif tried to sack him months later while he was on a flight back from Sri Lanka. Benign views about Musharraf as a man of peace come from reports about his talks with then prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee in July 2001 at Agra, not from his own birthplace Delhi. His so-called 'four-point solution' to the Kashmir dispute with India involved demilitarisation of Kashmir, self-governance, and free movement of people across the LoC. under joint supervision. The formula emanating from the Agra summit was attempted to be carried forward by BJP leader Vajpayee's successor Manmohan Singh of the Congress party. It all sounds so good, but for the fact that Gen Musharraf was himself the elephant in the room. As a military dictator, he may have tried the old military belief that once you show strength, the rivals come to the table. That does not always work. First up, he badly lost the Kargil Conflict, and it was he who lacked strength. Secondly, as someone who overthrew an elected government, he lacked credibility. How can two countries that already had a trust deficit go on with an arrangement that has a credibility deficit as well? Here's where we need to understand the wider context. Musharraf was in China in May 1999, the month when the Kargil conflict happened, in his role as army chief. And two months after he seized power in October, Pakistan's military wing, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was linked to the December 1999 hijack of an Indian Airlines flight from Kathmandu that led to India releasing Islamist terrorists at Kandahar in Afghanistan, where it was the ISI that set up the Taliban rule in 1996. Pakistan also has strong military ties in with Sri Lanka, an issue that hardly figures in India's diplomatic circles but is of immense significance if you consider the idea that a military notion of surrounding one's adversary is to be brought into play. Pakistan has consistently voted against human rights resolutions against Colombo in the UN, and in return, as it were, Sri Lanka has stayed neutral in the UN on issues linked to Kashmir. Sri Lanka was a base for Pakistan's military during the East Pakistan war in 1971 which led to the liberation of Bangladesh thanks to the Indian army. Pakistan later supplied Sri Lanka with military aid and training to fight the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Interestingly enough Pakistan eventually sought Sri Lanka's support on counter-insurgency when it was itself hit by terror attacks. Fun fact: Pakistan's ISI has even produced TV dramas (serials) to strengthen its domestic base by glorifying the army in its scripts. Now that Pakistan's army has also dispensed with elected Prime Minister Imran Khan, once its blue-eyed boy, it is clear who is the boss - or wants to be. Last but not least, Pakistan's military under Musharraf's leadership was seen helping bloody rioters in Karachi when clashes had erupted between the supporters of deposed Supreme Court chief justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry and activists of the MQM party. About 50 people died in the riots. As a report in Karachi's Dawn newspaper noted: "May 12, 2007, will live long in infamy. A dictator fending off a populist challenge from a deposed chief justice had turned to his political allies to stage a show of strength.... whatever the role of the MQM, it is undeniable that Karachi was plunged into chaos on May 12 because Pervez Musharraf desired that Iftikhar Chaudhry not enter the city." In essence, Musharraf was cut from the cloth of a Pakistan honed on military supremacist thinking. General after general in Pakistan has held sway and cracked down on or manipulated civilian groups and democratically inclined or elected governments or independent institutions like the judiciary. So what happened in the so-called peace phase of Musharraf's career may be seen as a fit case to be described by a Muslim proverb: "After devouring 900 mice, the cat set out on a Haj pilgrimage." However shaky, democratically elected governments and independent institutions reflect a more genuine popular consensus than the propaganda-cum-armtwisting styles of militarist mindsets. Musharraf's legacy is one of a long-ruling military dictator who had scant regard for democracy or the will of common citizens. The Pakistan army's role in wide-ranging geopolitical games in South Asia as well as its undermining of popular leaders is such that you cannot easily assume that any peace generated from the Musharraf formula would have had any lasting impact. Maybe, just maybe, both India and Pakistan can start producing movies and TV serials that show that there are peace-loving humans on both sides of the border who are regular people in regular democracies. That might work better than the iffy formula produced by the whims of a military dictator. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

A civil general who despised civilians: Gen Musharraf's peace overtures were overrated

A delegation from Pakistan headed by a former senior minister is currently on a secret visit to Israel—a country which has no diplomatic relations with Pakistan, according to media reports.

According to Jerusalem-based i24WEWS, the delegation of nine members is led by Nasim Ashraf, the former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board and an ex-minister in former prime minister Pervez Musharraf's government.

The members of the delegation include several Pakistani-origin Americans, a British Pakistani imam, and a prominent journalist from Karachi. While the rest are from Pakistani, whose identities were not revealed.

The delegation held talks on water technologies and conducted tours around Israel on the themes of geopolitics, history and religion, heritage, culture, and technology.

A meeting between the group and Israeli President Isaac Herzog has been scheduled for later this week, the Israel-based news outlet reported.

Notably, the visit of the Pakistani delegation comes months after an anchor, Ahmed Quraishi, from the country’s state-run broadcaster PTV was axed after it came to the fore that he was part of the Pakistani-American delegation visiting the Jewish state.

Israel is also reportedly hosting the Indonesian delegation, which is headed by a "senior official”, The Jerusalem Post reported.

Israel has been seeking to build good relations with the Muslim majority after the formalisation of the 2020 Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and four Arab countries.

Pakistan and Israel have no diplomatic relations. However, earlier this year, Jerusalem took part in a large-scale naval exercise in the Red Sea led by the US 5th Fleet alongside Pakistan and a number of other countries with which it has no diplomatic ties, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Comoros, Djibouti, Somalia, and Yemen.

Moreover, Israel has been making overtures to another Muslim nation, Indonesia, which was evident in a series of meetings in the last few months of 2021, with an emphasis on cooperation in trade and tourism.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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A delegation from Pakistan headed by a former senior minister is currently on a secret visit to Israel—a country which has no diplomatic relations with Pakistan, according to media reports.

A delegation from Pakistan headed by a former senior minister is currently on a secret visit to Israel—a country which has no diplomatic relations with Pakistan, according to media reports. According to Jerusalem-based i24WEWS, the delegation of nine members is led by Nasim Ashraf, the former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board and an ex-minister in former prime minister Pervez Musharraf's government. The members of the delegation include several Pakistani-origin Americans, a British Pakistani imam, and a prominent journalist from Karachi. While the rest are from Pakistani, whose identities were not revealed. The delegation held talks on water technologies and conducted tours around Israel on the themes of geopolitics, history and religion, heritage, culture, and technology. A meeting between the group and Israeli President Isaac Herzog has been scheduled for later this week, the Israel-based news outlet reported. Notably, the visit of the Pakistani delegation comes months after an anchor, Ahmed Quraishi, from the country’s state-run broadcaster PTV was axed after it came to the fore that he was part of the Pakistani-American delegation visiting the Jewish state. Israel is also reportedly hosting the Indonesian delegation, which is headed by a "senior official”, The Jerusalem Post reported. Israel has been seeking to build good relations with the Muslim majority after the formalisation of the 2020 Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and four Arab countries. Pakistan and Israel have no diplomatic relations. However, earlier this year, Jerusalem took part in a large-scale naval exercise in the Red Sea led by the US 5th Fleet alongside Pakistan and a number of other countries with which it has no diplomatic ties, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Comoros, Djibouti, Somalia, and Yemen. Moreover, Israel has been making overtures to another Muslim nation, Indonesia, which was evident in a series of meetings in the last few months of 2021, with an emphasis on cooperation in trade and tourism. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pakistan delegation on secret visit to Israel: Report

Former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-efforts-on-curbing-terror-funds-to-be-assessed-by-france-276339">Pakistan</a>&nbsp;President and ex-army general Pervez Musharaff has forwarded a mercy plea to&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-president-signs-ordinance-to-ensure-timely-completion-of-cpec-related-projects-254481">Dr Arif Alvi</a>.

In the&nbsp;petition sent by Musharaff to the President of Pakistan, he argued that he was unlawfully given the death penalty without being given an opportunity to contest the verdict.

The petition puts forth the argument stating Musharraf's 'medical incapacity' and highlights how the entire nation of Pakistan would face 'desperation' should Musharaff's punishment were to go through.

Also watch:&nbsp;Pakistan: Musharraf's death penalty 'on hold'

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It cites Article 45 of the Pakistan constitution and makes its case about even the prospect of a looming death penalty diminishing a person's right to dignity.

The plea demands clemency or at least a working pardon by the Pakistani President.

A petition like this can be sent to the president for his consideration only under the recommendation of the Pakistani government.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pervez-musharraf-case-a-new-dawn-in-pakistan-269126">Pervez Musharraf case: A new dawn in Pakistan?</a>

Now, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-a-hub-of-forced-conversion-accuses-india-of-totalitarianism-and-racism-276082">Imran Khan</a>&nbsp;government will decide whether Musharraf's plea holds enough legal merit to be sent to the office of the president.

The Lahore High Court had annulled the death sentence given to former military dictator Pervez Musharraf by the special court earlier in a treason case against him.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lahore-high-court-reserves-verdict-of-pervez-musharrafs-petition-274002">Pakistan court annuls Musharraf's death penalty</a>

In its judgement, the court had stated that there was no record of the cabinet's approval over filing the treason case against him.

Musharraf had suspended the constitution in 2007and&nbsp;also declared emergency rule to extend his tenure.

Former Pakistan President and ex-army general Pervez Musharaff has forwarded a mercy plea to President Dr Arif Alvi. In the petition sent by Musharaff to the President of Pakistan, he argued that he was unlawfully given the death penalty without being given an opportunity to contest the verdict.

Former Pakistan President and ex-army general Pervez Musharaff has forwarded a mercy plea to President Dr Arif Alvi. In the petition sent by Musharaff to the President of Pakistan, he argued that he was unlawfully given the death penalty without being given an opportunity to contest the verdict. The petition puts forth the argument stating Musharraf's 'medical incapacity' and highlights how the entire nation of Pakistan would face 'desperation' should Musharaff's punishment were to go through. Also watch: Pakistan: Musharraf's death penalty 'on hold' It cites Article 45 of the Pakistan constitution and makes its case about even the prospect of a looming death penalty diminishing a person's right to dignity. The plea demands clemency or at least a working pardon by the Pakistani President. A petition like this can be sent to the president for his consideration only under the recommendation of the Pakistani government. Also read: Pervez Musharraf case: A new dawn in Pakistan? Now, the Imran Khan government will decide whether Musharraf's plea holds enough legal merit to be sent to the office of the president. The Lahore High Court had annulled the death sentence given to former military dictator Pervez Musharraf by the special court earlier in a treason case against him. Also read: Pakistan court annuls Musharraf's death penalty In its judgement, the court had stated that there was no record of the cabinet's approval over filing the treason case against him. Musharraf had suspended the constitution in 2007and also declared emergency rule to extend his tenure.

Musharraf seeks mercy from Pakistan President Alvi over death penalty

A suicide bomber blew himself up in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Lakki Marwat on Thursday morning, Dawn reported citing police officials. So far no loss to life or property has been reported.

The incident happened during a protest against the death sentence given to former dictator <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-former-dictator-musharraf-calls-death-sentence-a-personal-vendetta-269111">General Pervez Musharraf</a> in a high treason case. Moreover, there was a polio team in the vicinity.

It is not clear who was the target of the bomber.

A suicide bomber blew himself up in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Lakki Marwat on Thursday morning, Dawn reported citing police officials. So far no loss to life or property has been reported.

A suicide bomber blew himself up in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Lakki Marwat on Thursday morning, Dawn reported citing police officials. So far no loss to life or property has been reported. The incident happened during a protest against the death sentence given to former dictator General Pervez Musharraf in a high treason case. Moreover, there was a polio team in the vicinity. It is not clear who was the target of the bomber.

Suicide bomb blast in Pakistan, no casualty reported

Pakistan’s former dictator <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pervez-musharraf-an-army-general-dictator-and-convict-268670">Pervez Musharraf</a> called the High Court’s decision to sentence him to death on accounts of high treason &nbsp;a “personal vendetta”&nbsp;

In a video released in the later hours of Wednesday, Musharraf, speaking from his hospital bed in Dubai, announced that the allegations against him were politically motivated.

The former President of Pakistan who was tried and sentenced in absentia called the ruling "an unprecedented case in which neither the defendant nor his lawyer was allowed to defend the case."

A three-judge Bench handed out a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pervez-musharraf-handed-death-sentence-in-high-treason-case-268641">death sentence to Musharraf</a> for suspending the Constitution and imposing emergency rule in 2007.&nbsp;

Also watch:&nbsp;Musharraf has right to appeal within 30 days, currently in a Dubai hospital

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Musharraf was first booked for treason in December 2013 and was indicted on March 31, 2014, The prosecution had tabled the entire evidence before the special court in September the same year.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/musharrafs-sentence-received-with-pain-anguish-he-can-never-be-a-traitor-pak-army-268772">Pakistan Army</a> received their former leader’s sentence with a “lot of pain and anguish,” saying that Musharraf could never be a traitor. &nbsp;

The Army issued a statement claiming that the decision has been "received with a lot of pain and anguish by rank and file of the Pakistan Armed forces."

"An ex-Army chief, chairman joint chief of staff committee and President of Pakistan, who served the country for over 40 years, fought wars for the defence of the country can surely never be a traitor," the Army said.

The 76-year-old Musharraf seized power in a coup against democratic Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in 1999 and later ruled as the 10th President of Pakistan.&nbsp;

Musharraf had resigned in 2008 over the threat of impeachment proceedings and had gone into exile in Dubai, however, he returned in 2013 to contest the polls in Pakistan but was barred from leaving the country.

"This case was taken up only due to personal vendetta by some people against me," Musharraf said in the video statement.

He was later permitted to move to Dubai to seek medical assistance in 2016, where he remains till date to seek treatment for amyloidosis and has refused to appear before the court, despite multiple orders.

His political party had earlier said it would challenge the verdict.&nbsp;

This is the first time in Pakistan's history that a former leader of the armed forces has been sentenced to death.

Pakistan’s former dictator Pervez Musharraf called the High Court’s decision to sentence him to death on accounts of high treason a “personal vendetta” In a video released in the later hours of Wednesday, Musharraf, speaking from his hospital bed in Dubai, announced that the allegations against him were politically motivated.

Pakistan’s former dictator Pervez Musharraf called the High Court’s decision to sentence him to death on accounts of high treason a “personal vendetta” In a video released in the later hours of Wednesday, Musharraf, speaking from his hospital bed in Dubai, announced that the allegations against him were politically motivated. The former President of Pakistan who was tried and sentenced in absentia called the ruling "an unprecedented case in which neither the defendant nor his lawyer was allowed to defend the case." A three-judge Bench handed out a death sentence to Musharraf for suspending the Constitution and imposing emergency rule in 2007. Also watch: Musharraf has right to appeal within 30 days, currently in a Dubai hospital × Musharraf was first booked for treason in December 2013 and was indicted on March 31, 2014, The prosecution had tabled the entire evidence before the special court in September the same year. The Pakistan Army received their former leader’s sentence with a “lot of pain and anguish,” saying that Musharraf could never be a traitor. The Army issued a statement claiming that the decision has been "received with a lot of pain and anguish by rank and file of the Pakistan Armed forces." "An ex-Army chief, chairman joint chief of staff committee and President of Pakistan, who served the country for over 40 years, fought wars for the defence of the country can surely never be a traitor," the Army said. The 76-year-old Musharraf seized power in a coup against democratic Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in 1999 and later ruled as the 10th President of Pakistan. Musharraf had resigned in 2008 over the threat of impeachment proceedings and had gone into exile in Dubai, however, he returned in 2013 to contest the polls in Pakistan but was barred from leaving the country. "This case was taken up only due to personal vendetta by some people against me," Musharraf said in the video statement. He was later permitted to move to Dubai to seek medical assistance in 2016, where he remains till date to seek treatment for amyloidosis and has refused to appear before the court, despite multiple orders. His political party had earlier said it would challenge the verdict. This is the first time in Pakistan's history that a former leader of the armed forces has been sentenced to death.

Pakistan's former dictator Musharraf calls death sentence a 'personal vendetta'

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday summoned an emergency meeting of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) core committee to discuss the conviction of former military <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pervez-musharraf-an-army-general-dictator-and-convict-268670">dictator Pervez Musharraf</a> in a high treason case.

The Prime Minister was in Geneva on Tuesday to attend the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-once-again-issues-nuclear-threat-to-india-this-time-over-citizenship-amendment-act-268834">"Global Refugee Forum"</a> when the special court formed to try the ex-president announced its verdict awarding him the death penalty for imposing a state of emergency in 2007 and suspending the Constitution.

Khan had to cut short his visit to the European country in the wake of the verdict, according to The News International.

The verdict, announced by a three-member bench of the special tribunal, was received with a 'lot of pain and anguish' by the Pakistan Army.

The government, too, expressed its reservations to the verdict, saying that the requirements for a fair trial under Article 10-A were not fulfilled in the case.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Musharraf has right to appeal within 30 days, currently in a Dubai hospital

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Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan has already made it clear that the government will not oppose an appeal against the special court's verdict.

In the meeting today, the ruling party is further expected to discuss matters related to legislation regarding the extension of services of the army chief and the appointment of a chief election commissioner and other members of the electoral body.

The PTI's legal team will brief the members about the extension issue after the detailed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/musharrafs-sentence-received-with-pain-anguish-he-can-never-be-a-traitor-pak-army-268772">verdict of the Supreme Court</a> in this regard.

Meanwhile, UK-based Barrister Toby Cadman, a former representative of Musharraf at the United Nations, on Tuesday pointed out what he deemed 'flaws' in the capital punishment handed to the former president in a high treason case and called for a full review of the case.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday summoned an emergency meeting of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) core committee to discuss the conviction of former military dictator Pervez Musharraf in a high treason case.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday summoned an emergency meeting of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) core committee to discuss the conviction of former military dictator Pervez Musharraf in a high treason case. The Prime Minister was in Geneva on Tuesday to attend the "Global Refugee Forum" when the special court formed to try the ex-president announced its verdict awarding him the death penalty for imposing a state of emergency in 2007 and suspending the Constitution. Khan had to cut short his visit to the European country in the wake of the verdict, according to The News International. The verdict, announced by a three-member bench of the special tribunal, was received with a 'lot of pain and anguish' by the Pakistan Army. The government, too, expressed its reservations to the verdict, saying that the requirements for a fair trial under Article 10-A were not fulfilled in the case. Also Watch: Musharraf has right to appeal within 30 days, currently in a Dubai hospital × Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan has already made it clear that the government will not oppose an appeal against the special court's verdict. In the meeting today, the ruling party is further expected to discuss matters related to legislation regarding the extension of services of the army chief and the appointment of a chief election commissioner and other members of the electoral body. The PTI's legal team will brief the members about the extension issue after the detailed verdict of the Supreme Court in this regard. Meanwhile, UK-based Barrister Toby Cadman, a former representative of Musharraf at the United Nations, on Tuesday pointed out what he deemed 'flaws' in the capital punishment handed to the former president in a high treason case and called for a full review of the case.

Imran Khan cuts short Geneva visit, calls emergency meeting to discuss Musharraf verdict

The Lahore High Court on Monday issued a notice to the federal government on former president Pervez Musharraf's plea urging it to stay the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/verdict-in-musharraf-high-treason-case-to-be-announced-on-december-17-266547">high treason</a> case proceedings pending before a special court in Islamabad.

Musharraf in his application asked the court to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/high-treason-case-against-me-baseless-lawyer-not-being-heard-musharraf-266085">declare </a>the proceedings pending before the special court and all actions against him - from initiation of the high treason complaint to the appointment of the prosecutor and constitution of the trial court - as unconstitutional, Dawn News reported.

A single-judge bench comprising Justice Mazahir Ali Akbar Naqvi is expected to announce its verdict in the long-drawn high treason case, despite an earlier <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-islamabad-high-court-stops-announcement-of-verdict-in-musharrafs-high-treason-case-264929">Islamabad High Court</a> (IHC) order stopping it from issuing the verdict it had reserved in the case last month.

The IHC's order had come out on November 27 - a day before the special court was set to announce its verdict.

The application was filed through advocates Khawaja Ahmad Tariq Raheem and Azhar Siddique on Saturday (December 14).

The high treason trial of the former leader for clamping the state of emergency on Nov 3, 2007, has been pending since December 2013. 
He was booked in the treason case in December 2013.

Musharraf was indicted on March 31, 2014, and the prosecution had tabled the entire evidence before the special court in September the same year. However, due to litigation at appellate forums, the trial of the former military dictator lingered on and he left Pakistan in March 2016.

The Lahore High Court on Monday issued a notice to the federal government on former president Pervez Musharraf's plea urging it to stay the high treason case proceedings pending before a special court in Islamabad.

The Lahore High Court on Monday issued a notice to the federal government on former president Pervez Musharraf's plea urging it to stay the high treason case proceedings pending before a special court in Islamabad. Musharraf in his application asked the court to declare the proceedings pending before the special court and all actions against him - from initiation of the high treason complaint to the appointment of the prosecutor and constitution of the trial court - as unconstitutional, Dawn News reported. A single-judge bench comprising Justice Mazahir Ali Akbar Naqvi is expected to announce its verdict in the long-drawn high treason case, despite an earlier Islamabad High Court (IHC) order stopping it from issuing the verdict it had reserved in the case last month. The IHC's order had come out on November 27 - a day before the special court was set to announce its verdict. The application was filed through advocates Khawaja Ahmad Tariq Raheem and Azhar Siddique on Saturday (December 14). The high treason trial of the former leader for clamping the state of emergency on Nov 3, 2007, has been pending since December 2013. He was booked in the treason case in December 2013. Musharraf was indicted on March 31, 2014, and the prosecution had tabled the entire evidence before the special court in September the same year. However, due to litigation at appellate forums, the trial of the former military dictator lingered on and he left Pakistan in March 2016.

Court sends notice to Pakistan govt on Musharraf's plea to halt treason trial

A special court in Islamabad on Tuesday reserved its judgment in the high treason case against former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, and said that the verdict would be announced on November 28.

The three-member bench of the court, headed by Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth, directed Musharraf's counsel to submit its written argument by November 26, Dawn reported.

The high treason case against Musharraf was filed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government in 2013, alleging that the army general-turned-president had unlawfully suspended the Constitution with the help of the military and instituted an emergency rule in 2007.

Musharraf was indicted on March 31, 2014, and the prosecution had tabled the entire evidence before the special court in September the same year.

The hearing in the case, however, was stalled after Musharraf left for Dubai for medical treatment in March 2016.

A special court in Islamabad on Tuesday reserved its judgment in the high treason case against former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, and said that the verdict would be announced on November 28.

A special court in Islamabad on Tuesday reserved its judgment in the high treason case against former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, and said that the verdict would be announced on November 28. The three-member bench of the court, headed by Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth, directed Musharraf's counsel to submit its written argument by November 26, Dawn reported. The high treason case against Musharraf was filed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government in 2013, alleging that the army general-turned-president had unlawfully suspended the Constitution with the help of the military and instituted an emergency rule in 2007. Musharraf was indicted on March 31, 2014, and the prosecution had tabled the entire evidence before the special court in September the same year. The hearing in the case, however, was stalled after Musharraf left for Dubai for medical treatment in March 2016.

Pakistan: Court reseves judgment in Musharraf's treason case, verdict on November 28

A special court on Tuesday adjourned the hearing of the treason case against former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-top-probe-agency-again-fails-to-explain-transactions-in-pervez-musharrafs-frozen-accounts-228077">Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf</a> till October 24 following which it will hear the case on a daily basis. 
 
The three-judge bench of the special court, presided by Justice Waqar Ahmed Seth, accepted a plea by Musharraf's counsel to postpone the hearing on the grounds that the former military ruler was currently in hospital undergoing treatment for dengue, the Tribune Express reported. 
 
The court also directed the concerned parties to submit written documents prior to the next hearing. 
 
Musharraf's advocate Raza Bashir submitted that the former ruler had for Dubai in 2016 to 'seek medical treatment' and is now expected to make a comeback in the national politics by reviving his party, the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML). 
 
In 2013, a case of high treason against Musharraf was filed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, alleging that the army general-turned-president had unlawfully suspended the Constitution with the help of the military and instituted an emergency rule in 2007. 
 
The proceeding of the treason case began in May this year.

A special court on Tuesday adjourned the hearing of the treason case against former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf till October 24 following which it will hear the case on a daily basis.

A special court on Tuesday adjourned the hearing of the treason case against former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf till October 24 following which it will hear the case on a daily basis. The three-judge bench of the special court, presided by Justice Waqar Ahmed Seth, accepted a plea by Musharraf's counsel to postpone the hearing on the grounds that the former military ruler was currently in hospital undergoing treatment for dengue, the Tribune Express reported. The court also directed the concerned parties to submit written documents prior to the next hearing. Musharraf's advocate Raza Bashir submitted that the former ruler had for Dubai in 2016 to 'seek medical treatment' and is now expected to make a comeback in the national politics by reviving his party, the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML). In 2013, a case of high treason against Musharraf was filed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, alleging that the army general-turned-president had unlawfully suspended the Constitution with the help of the military and instituted an emergency rule in 2007. The proceeding of the treason case began in May this year.

Pakistan: Pervez Musharraf's case adjourned till October 24

A special court has decided to hear a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-orders-musharraf-to-appear-before-on-may-2-in-treason-case-206351">high treason case</a> against the former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on a daily basis in an effort to conclude the trial pending since December 2013. 
 
The special court comprising Justices Nazar Akbar and Shahid Karim resumed proceedings in the treason trial on Tuesday, Dawn news reported. 
 
Advocate Raza Bashir, the defence counsel appointed by the Law Ministry on the directive of the special court, filed an application seeking his meeting with Musharraf to&nbsp;getting instructions from him to argue the case. 
 
The court however, expressed displeasure over the filing of the application and said that the absconding accused had already been summoned for recording his statement. 
 
The court has adjourned the hearing until October 8. 
 
On June 12, the court had rejected Musharraf`s plea for adjournment of hearing on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pervez-musharraf-shifted-to-icu-in-dubai-hospital-remains-critical-pakistan-media-222640">medical grounds</a> and decided to conclude the trial even in his absence. 
 
The then ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government had registered the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-top-probe-agency-again-fails-to-explain-transactions-in-pervez-musharrafs-frozen-accounts-228077">treason case</a> against Musharraf in 2013 over the former President`s imposition of extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007, which led to house confinement of several superior court judges and sacking of over 100 judges. 
 
Musharraf left for Dubai in 2016 to "seek medical treatment" and has not returned since. 
 
Earlier in March, he was admitted to a hospital in Dubai after suffering a reaction to a rare disease for which he is under treatment.

A special court has decided to hear a high treason case against the former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on a daily basis in an effort to conclude the trial pending since December 2013.

A special court has decided to hear a high treason case against the former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on a daily basis in an effort to conclude the trial pending since December 2013. The special court comprising Justices Nazar Akbar and Shahid Karim resumed proceedings in the treason trial on Tuesday, Dawn news reported. Advocate Raza Bashir, the defence counsel appointed by the Law Ministry on the directive of the special court, filed an application seeking his meeting with Musharraf to getting instructions from him to argue the case. The court however, expressed displeasure over the filing of the application and said that the absconding accused had already been summoned for recording his statement. The court has adjourned the hearing until October 8. On June 12, the court had rejected Musharraf`s plea for adjournment of hearing on medical grounds and decided to conclude the trial even in his absence. The then ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government had registered the treason case against Musharraf in 2013 over the former President`s imposition of extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007, which led to house confinement of several superior court judges and sacking of over 100 judges. Musharraf left for Dubai in 2016 to "seek medical treatment" and has not returned since. Earlier in March, he was admitted to a hospital in Dubai after suffering a reaction to a rare disease for which he is under treatment.

Treason case against Ex-Pakistan president Musharraf to be heard daily

Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has admitted that Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) is a terror organisation and claimed that Pakistani intelligence had used the outfit to carry out suicide attacks in India during his tenure.

In a telephonic interview with Pakistani journalist Nadeem Malik of Hum News on March 5, Musharraf welcomed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government's move of taking action against JeM and blamed the terror outfit for carrying out a suicide attack on him at Jhanda Chichi in Rawalpindi in 2003 when he was Pakistan's president.

"I have always said that JeM is a terror organisation and they tried to assassinate me in a suicide attack at Jhanda Chichi in Rawalpindi in 2003. The suicide bomber pressed a button a few seconds late and I had crossed the bridge by that time. Action should be taken against them (JeM). I am happy that the government is taking a tough stand against them," said Musharraf, who served as Pakistan's president from 2001 to 2008.

Facing mounting international pressure, the Pakistan government on Tuesday said that 44 activists of various outfits, including Azhar's brother Mufti Abdur Rauf and son Hamza Azhar, have been taken into "preventive detention" as part of a crackdown on terror groups.

Asked why he himself had not taken any action against the Masood Azhar-led outfit when he was in power, Musharraf acknowledged that he should have done so while claiming that "those were different times."

"Our intelligence was involved in a tit-for-tat between India and Pakistan. They were carrying out bomb blasts in Pakistan and we were getting it done there (in India). This was going on and amidst this, no action was taken against JeM. I also did not insist on taking action," he said.

Musharraf's statement is contradictory to what the Pakistan Army had said, claiming that JeM "does not exist" in the country.

"Jaish-e-Mohammad does not exist in Pakistan. It has been proscribed by the United Nations and Pakistan," Major General Asif Ghafoor, the Pakistani Army's spokesperson, told CNN on Wednesday.

Earlier this week, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had said that the Imran Khan-led government had contacted the Jaish leadership after the Pulwama terror attack and it had denied responsibility. He had also admitted that Azhar was in Pakistan and is "very unwell."

"He (Azhar) is in Pakistan. According to my information, he is very unwell. He's unwell to the extent that he cannot leave his house because he is really unwell. So, that's the information I have”, Qureshi told CNN in an interview.

There has been intense global pressure against Pakistan to stop supporting terrorists and terror outfits after India mounted a diplomatic campaign in this regard.

Tensions have been soaring between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack, the responsibility of which has been taken by JeM. India lost 40 CRPF personnel when a suicide bomber targeted their convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on February 14.

India recently shared a dossier with Pakistan and key foreign powers, specifying how JeM was involved in Pulwama and various other terror attacks in the country.

Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has admitted that Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) is a terror organisation and claimed that Pakistani intelligence had used the outfit to carry out suicide attacks in India during his tenure.

Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has admitted that Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) is a terror organisation and claimed that Pakistani intelligence had used the outfit to carry out suicide attacks in India during his tenure. In a telephonic interview with Pakistani journalist Nadeem Malik of Hum News on March 5, Musharraf welcomed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government's move of taking action against JeM and blamed the terror outfit for carrying out a suicide attack on him at Jhanda Chichi in Rawalpindi in 2003 when he was Pakistan's president. "I have always said that JeM is a terror organisation and they tried to assassinate me in a suicide attack at Jhanda Chichi in Rawalpindi in 2003. The suicide bomber pressed a button a few seconds late and I had crossed the bridge by that time. Action should be taken against them (JeM). I am happy that the government is taking a tough stand against them," said Musharraf, who served as Pakistan's president from 2001 to 2008. Facing mounting international pressure, the Pakistan government on Tuesday said that 44 activists of various outfits, including Azhar's brother Mufti Abdur Rauf and son Hamza Azhar, have been taken into "preventive detention" as part of a crackdown on terror groups. Asked why he himself had not taken any action against the Masood Azhar-led outfit when he was in power, Musharraf acknowledged that he should have done so while claiming that "those were different times." "Our intelligence was involved in a tit-for-tat between India and Pakistan. They were carrying out bomb blasts in Pakistan and we were getting it done there (in India). This was going on and amidst this, no action was taken against JeM. I also did not insist on taking action," he said. Musharraf's statement is contradictory to what the Pakistan Army had said, claiming that JeM "does not exist" in the country. "Jaish-e-Mohammad does not exist in Pakistan. It has been proscribed by the United Nations and Pakistan," Major General Asif Ghafoor, the Pakistani Army's spokesperson, told CNN on Wednesday. Earlier this week, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had said that the Imran Khan-led government had contacted the Jaish leadership after the Pulwama terror attack and it had denied responsibility. He had also admitted that Azhar was in Pakistan and is "very unwell." "He (Azhar) is in Pakistan. According to my information, he is very unwell. He's unwell to the extent that he cannot leave his house because he is really unwell. So, that's the information I have”, Qureshi told CNN in an interview. There has been intense global pressure against Pakistan to stop supporting terrorists and terror outfits after India mounted a diplomatic campaign in this regard. Tensions have been soaring between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack, the responsibility of which has been taken by JeM. India lost 40 CRPF personnel when a suicide bomber targeted their convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on February 14. India recently shared a dossier with Pakistan and key foreign powers, specifying how JeM was involved in Pulwama and various other terror attacks in the country.

Pakistan intel used Jaish-e-Mohammed for carrying out attacks in India during my tenure: Pak's former President Pervez Musharraf

Former President Pervez Musharraf admits JeM carried out attacks in India during his tenure

Pakistan's former dictator <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-musharraf-zardaris-national-reconciliation-ordinance-case-closed-188390">Gen Pervez Musharraf</a> was responsible for no breakthrough on the Kashmir issue as he launched the Kargil operation without the civilian government's approval to "sabotage" the talks with India and topple the Nawaz Sharif government, a close aide of the then prime minister said Monday.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader and Senator Pervaiz Rashid told reporters that "Sharif and the Indian leadership were holding talks on Kashmir and the latter was ready to resolve it but Musharraf launched the Kargil operation to sabotage the talks and topple the Sharif government".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/leaked-video-shows-musharraf-seeking-covert-us-support-to-regain-power-187143">General Musharraf</a>, 75, who lives in Dubai, is facing several cases including a treason case for suspending the Constitution in 2007. The former military ruler left for the UAE in 2016 for medical treatment and has not returned since. He was the army chief during the Kargil War in 1999.

"Gen Musharraf is responsible for the blood of Kashimiris. Musharraf was the reason behind the suffering of Kashmiris as he did not let this issue resolved," he said, terming the Kargil operation a 'misadventure'.

This is Musharraf's biggest crime even more than toppling the Sharif government in October 1999, Rashid, a close confidant of Sharif, said. Before Musharraf went for the misadventure, India's then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee came to Lahore and went to Minar-e-Pakistan to accept the creation of Pakistan, the Senator claimed. Rashid demanded that Musharraf is brought to justice for his crimes, especially against Kashmiris.

Though Pakistan initially claimed that mujahideen were responsible for occupying strategic heights along the Line of Control in early 1999, Musharraf later revealed in his autobiography 'In The Line Of Fire' that regular army soldiers participated in the Kargil operation.

Over 500 Indian armed forces personnel laid down their lives during the 60-day long war. Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on July 26, marking the successful conclusion of the war with Pakistan in the Kargil-Drass sector of Jammu and Kashmir in 1999.

Pakistan's former dictator Gen Pervez Musharraf was responsible for no breakthrough on the Kashmir issue as he launched the Kargil operation without the civilian government's approval to "sabotage" the talks with India and topple the Nawaz Sharif government, a close aide of the then prime minister said Monday.

Pakistan's former dictator Gen Pervez Musharraf was responsible for no breakthrough on the Kashmir issue as he launched the Kargil operation without the civilian government's approval to "sabotage" the talks with India and topple the Nawaz Sharif government, a close aide of the then prime minister said Monday. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader and Senator Pervaiz Rashid told reporters that "Sharif and the Indian leadership were holding talks on Kashmir and the latter was ready to resolve it but Musharraf launched the Kargil operation to sabotage the talks and topple the Sharif government". General Musharraf, 75, who lives in Dubai, is facing several cases including a treason case for suspending the Constitution in 2007. The former military ruler left for the UAE in 2016 for medical treatment and has not returned since. He was the army chief during the Kargil War in 1999. "Gen Musharraf is responsible for the blood of Kashimiris. Musharraf was the reason behind the suffering of Kashmiris as he did not let this issue resolved," he said, terming the Kargil operation a 'misadventure'. This is Musharraf's biggest crime even more than toppling the Sharif government in October 1999, Rashid, a close confidant of Sharif, said. Before Musharraf went for the misadventure, India's then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee came to Lahore and went to Minar-e-Pakistan to accept the creation of Pakistan, the Senator claimed. Rashid demanded that Musharraf is brought to justice for his crimes, especially against Kashmiris. Though Pakistan initially claimed that mujahideen were responsible for occupying strategic heights along the Line of Control in early 1999, Musharraf later revealed in his autobiography 'In The Line Of Fire' that regular army soldiers participated in the Kargil operation. Over 500 Indian armed forces personnel laid down their lives during the 60-day long war. Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on July 26, marking the successful conclusion of the war with Pakistan in the Kargil-Drass sector of Jammu and Kashmir in 1999.

Pakistan's former dictator Pervez Musharraf responsible for unresolved Kashmir issue: Sharif's confidant

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/russian-firm-offers-to-invest-2-billion-in-pakistans-water-power-sectors-190952&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjF96yh5_TfAhXEad4KHUxWAWAQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0zj-fSfWREL6KoIZ895YHe">Pakistan</a> swears in a new chief justice on Friday, opening the next chapter for the Supreme Court which has made a name for an expansive agenda that has ranged from ousting a prime minister to pressing authorities to improve the public water supply.

Outgoing Chief Justice Saqib Nisar cultivated a high profile, launching multiple inquiries aimed at reforming public institutions and going after political leaders, attracting both praises for cracking down on abuse and criticism that he was exceeding the court's role.

His successor, Supreme Court judge Asif Saeed Khosa, has a taste for literary quotation but is otherwise considered a more classical judge, preferring to stay out of the limelight.

"I think Justice Khosa's tenure will be substantially different," said Saroop Ijaz, a lawyer for Human Rights Watch, who has been critical of Nisar's activist court.

In one of its best-known judgments, the<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-ram-nath-kovind-appoints-justice-dinesh-maheshwari-as-supreme-court-judge-190792&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwju7LSc6PTfAhVMdXAKHSq-CqcQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2HMT7jCbtV4btM1ZbFcPHu"> Supreme Court</a> removed three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif from office in July 2017 and ordered a corruption probe into his assets that led to Sharif being given a seven-year jail term in December.

The court enraged hardline Islamists last year by overturning the conviction of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman condemned to death for blasphemy against Islam.

But it has also used so-called "suo motu" provisions in Pakistani law that allow the court to open cases on its own initiative to set its stamp on wide swaths of public life and denounce the failure of public institutions.

It has ordered inquiries into issues ranging from payments to farmers by powerful sugar mills to milk prices, city water supplies and corruption allegations against managers of the railways and national airline PIA.

However, the outgoing chief justice's activism did little to drain the backlog of more than 40,000 cases at the Supreme Court and a staggering 1.9 million combined cases pending in other courts.

"It's a highly problematic period at multiple levels," said legal scholar Osama Siddique, an Associate Fellow at the Institute for Development and Economic Alternatives in Lahore.

"Justice Saqib Nisar's entire emphasis was on other institutions and how they should improve their governance but he did not do anything to improve the governance and internal administration of the judiciary."

CAUTIONARY TALE

Nisar's high media profile has drawn parallels with Iftikhar Chaudhry, a chief justice who initially won plaudits for helping oust military dictator Pervez Musharraf in 2008, but was later criticised for overstepping his constitutional remit.

"Saqib Nisar's tenure was in many ways a cautionary tale in unfettered judicial overreach," said Ijaz. "It was unprecedented in the extent of its activism and disregard of formal legal procedures."

Nisar himself has said his suo motu cases and frequent public appearances to inspect development projects and facilities such as schools and hospitals were aimed at protecting the poor.

Allies of Sharif say his assertiveness served the interests of Pakistan's powerful military and hinted at a return to the past when they say judges cut politicians down to size at the behest of the generals.

The military, which has ruled Pakistan for nearly half its history since independence in 1947, denies involvement in domestic politics.

But Sharif's removal and the defeat of his PML-N party in elections last year led to the appointment as prime minister of Imran Khan, a cricketer-turned-politician seen by analysts and opposition politicians as close to the military.

The new Chief Justice, who will hold office for 11 months, has a tough task to reform Pakistan's sluggish judiciary.

Khosa wrote the judgment that ousted Sharif, opening with an epigraph he took from "The Godfather", Mario Puzo's bestselling novel on the mafia: "Behind every great fortune there is a crime."

But literary flourishes apart, Ijaz said his record suggested he would adopt a much lower profile than his interventionist predecessor.

"Khosa has in the past written strongly worded judgments (and) has never shown a desire for publicity... The hope is that he will continue on that theme and work towards reform, starting with the judiciary itself."

Pakistan swears in a new chief justice on Friday, opening the next chapter for the Supreme Court which has made a name for an expansive agenda that has ranged from ousting a prime minister to pressing authorities to improve the public water supply.

Pakistan swears in a new chief justice on Friday, opening the next chapter for the Supreme Court which has made a name for an expansive agenda that has ranged from ousting a prime minister to pressing authorities to improve the public water supply. Outgoing Chief Justice Saqib Nisar cultivated a high profile, launching multiple inquiries aimed at reforming public institutions and going after political leaders, attracting both praises for cracking down on abuse and criticism that he was exceeding the court's role. His successor, Supreme Court judge Asif Saeed Khosa, has a taste for literary quotation but is otherwise considered a more classical judge, preferring to stay out of the limelight. "I think Justice Khosa's tenure will be substantially different," said Saroop Ijaz, a lawyer for Human Rights Watch, who has been critical of Nisar's activist court. In one of its best-known judgments, the Supreme Court removed three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif from office in July 2017 and ordered a corruption probe into his assets that led to Sharif being given a seven-year jail term in December. The court enraged hardline Islamists last year by overturning the conviction of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman condemned to death for blasphemy against Islam. But it has also used so-called "suo motu" provisions in Pakistani law that allow the court to open cases on its own initiative to set its stamp on wide swaths of public life and denounce the failure of public institutions. It has ordered inquiries into issues ranging from payments to farmers by powerful sugar mills to milk prices, city water supplies and corruption allegations against managers of the railways and national airline PIA. However, the outgoing chief justice's activism did little to drain the backlog of more than 40,000 cases at the Supreme Court and a staggering 1.9 million combined cases pending in other courts. "It's a highly problematic period at multiple levels," said legal scholar Osama Siddique, an Associate Fellow at the Institute for Development and Economic Alternatives in Lahore. "Justice Saqib Nisar's entire emphasis was on other institutions and how they should improve their governance but he did not do anything to improve the governance and internal administration of the judiciary." CAUTIONARY TALE Nisar's high media profile has drawn parallels with Iftikhar Chaudhry, a chief justice who initially won plaudits for helping oust military dictator Pervez Musharraf in 2008, but was later criticised for overstepping his constitutional remit. "Saqib Nisar's tenure was in many ways a cautionary tale in unfettered judicial overreach," said Ijaz. "It was unprecedented in the extent of its activism and disregard of formal legal procedures." Nisar himself has said his suo motu cases and frequent public appearances to inspect development projects and facilities such as schools and hospitals were aimed at protecting the poor. Allies of Sharif say his assertiveness served the interests of Pakistan's powerful military and hinted at a return to the past when they say judges cut politicians down to size at the behest of the generals. The military, which has ruled Pakistan for nearly half its history since independence in 1947, denies involvement in domestic politics. But Sharif's removal and the defeat of his PML-N party in elections last year led to the appointment as prime minister of Imran Khan, a cricketer-turned-politician seen by analysts and opposition politicians as close to the military. The new Chief Justice, who will hold office for 11 months, has a tough task to reform Pakistan's sluggish judiciary. Khosa wrote the judgment that ousted Sharif, opening with an epigraph he took from "The Godfather", Mario Puzo's bestselling novel on the mafia: "Behind every great fortune there is a crime." But literary flourishes apart, Ijaz said his record suggested he would adopt a much lower profile than his interventionist predecessor. "Khosa has in the past written strongly worded judgments (and) has never shown a desire for publicity... The hope is that he will continue on that theme and work towards reform, starting with the judiciary itself."

Pakistan new chief justice Saeed Khosa opens new era for powerful court