All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) leaders have showed their reservations against a court verdict declaring party chief and former military ruler Pervez Musharraf as a proclaimed offender in the Benazir Bhutto murder case, saying that there is no legal ground against him in the case, and that "such tactics cannot deter his arrival" in the country.
On Monday, an anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi declared Musharraf a proclaimed offender in the Benazir Bhutto assassination case, enabling the court to attach his immovable property in Pakistan and proceed with the trial of other accused in the case, leaving the authorities to seek other means for his arrest.
"There are no solid legal grounds against Musharraf in the case, however, the opponents are trying to drag him forcefully into the Benazir assassination case," the Daily Times quoted APML General Secretary Fawad Chaudhry, as saying.
He said that the court's decision was a deliberate move from the opponents who wanted to stop Musharraf's return to Pakistan, so that he would not be able to take part in the national politics and serve the people of Pakistan.
"Such tactics cannot deter his arrival," the Dawn quoted Chaudhry, as saying.
"Some forces are afraid of Musharraf's popularity and following, hence, want him to change his decision of returning to Pakistan, however, Musharraf must return to his homeland next year as per the schedule," he said.
APML leader Javed Badar said that Musharraf was not afraid of conspiracies or threats from his opponents who were trying to keep him away from his homeland.
"He (Musharraf) is not afraid of such tactics on part of the opposition and does not fear the court's decision since he knows he is not guilty," Badar said.
He said that declaring Musharraf as a proclaimed offender in Benazir's murder case was a clear reflection of the administration's negligence and incompetence.
He said that all conspiracies against Musharraf would fail at the end, adding that the former president would definitely return to Pakistan before the next general elections. (ANI)
