Musharraf’s trial for high treason: No party except PML-N wants to move resolution

[Naveed Yaseen]

* PPP says it will not object if PML-N tables resolution in parliament

By Zulfiqar Ghuman

ISLAMABAD: All mainstream political parties want a complete bar on military intervention in the country’s politics, but no one, except the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is willing to take the lead.

The PML-N looks set to follow through on its demands for a trial of former president Pervez Musharraf for high treason under Article 6 of the constitution.

The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) wants the PML-N to bring the resolution to parliament as per its demands and claims and the Awami National Party (ANP) promises to support any step directed towards blocking future dictatorship in the country. But the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) want Musharraf tried on the basis of Supreme Court’s verdict, without a resolution by parliament.

The PML-Quaid wants the government to adopt a “look forward policy” instead of sticking to the past, while the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) is yet to decide whether to support or object to the demands for Musharraf’s trial.

“We do not want politics of revenge. We want politics of reconciliation. We have never talked of Article 6 despite being the most affected victim. Since it is the PML-N that is insisting on the trial of Musharraf under Article 6, let them bring the resolution and we will support them,” PPP Information Secretary Fauzia Wahab said.

ANP Senator Haji Adeel said his party was ready to support any initiative that would block the way for future dictators for the country.

He said a unanimous resolution on the issue was a must, while a majority resolution could become controversial and might not help basic objectives.

JI Secretary General Liaquat Baloch said there was no need for any resolution after the SC verdict on Musharraf’s past actions. “Now the government should take an initiative, appoint a law officer and start the prosecution,” he said.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf Information Secretary Sarfraz Cheema said his party wanted Musharraf’s trial under Article 6. He did not approve of any parliamentary resolution in this connection.

PML-Q Secretary General Mushahid Hussain said his party believed that the government should adopt a forward-looking policy.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...2009_pg7_1