ISLAMABAD – As if the troubles in Pakistan were not enough for former president Pervez Musharraf, a leading British politician of Pakistani origin has announced he would take Musharraf to court in London over war crimes charges, according to a news report.
Lord Nazir Ahmed of Rotherham said he had been approached by “a number of families” who have suffered at the hands of Musharraf’s policies during his nearly nine-year rule, the report carrying in the leading English language daily The News said.
“These affected families from the tribal areas, Balochistan, Waziristan and Lal Masjid and other parts of Pakistan feel war crimes have been committed against them. They have suffered directly as a result of the policies of the former dictator,” the British Labor Party peer said.
A writ will be issued against Musharraf – who is currently in London – for war crimes and human rights abuses in Pakistan, he said, adding some of the legal minds involved in pursuing the case against Musharraf will be those who had experience in preparing charges against Chilean army general Augusto Pinochet and had him arrested.
Lord Ahmed said a clear message would be sent to those who believe “in taking over ruthlessly from civilians and killing people as they please.”
Barrister Abid Hussain is assisting Lord Nazeer Ahmed in this case.
Hussain said a support group had been formed to help the victim’s families. He said individual sponsors would come forward to support this expensive legal exercise.
Lord Ahmed clarified that no Pakistani political party will be asked for funds and it will be individuals who will declare their interest in the case and fund it on record.
He plans to travel to Pakistan within a week as part of his campaign against Musharraf. He will meet members from both the Pakistan People’s Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-N.
Musharraf, who has been summoned by the Pakistan Supreme Court to explain his unconstitutional step of imposing an emergency in the country on Nov. 3, 2007, has said that he is ready to appear before the court “if needed.”
He made the statement to reporters after meeting his old legal aide Abdul Hafiz Pirzada besides several political leaders including Federal Minister Baber Khan Ghori and former ministers Chaudhry Shehbaz, Faisal Saleh Hayat, and Omer Ayub, The Nation reported.
Musharraf, who is engaged in making speeches to think tanks and select gatherings in London these days, said he is consulting his lawyers and would disclose his strategy only after receiving the details of the case, which is due for hearing July 29. – SG