“Death penalty for me is the result of personal vendetta,” says ex-Pakistan Army Chief General Musharraf

Dubai: Dismissing the death penalty given to him in a treason case, former President of Pakistan and ex-army chief General (retired) Pervez Musharraf has said that the case was the result of personal vendetta against him by some influential people.

In a latest video message released on Wednesday evening, General Musharraf said that he would decide his next move after consulting his legal team. “I have confidence in Pakistan judiciary that justice will be served keeping in mind the supremacy of law,” said General Musharraf in the message. Musharraf looked quite frail as he recorded the message while lying on a ‘hospital bed. He was straining to speak in a very weak voice.

Musharraf is home

Gulf News can confirm that Musharraf recorded the statement from his home in the downtown Dubai as he was discharged from the hospital a few days after he was admitted on December 2. A hospital bed with medical facility has also been placed at his home because he needs constant medical care due to his deteriorating health. However, he has to make frequent visits to hospital for his treatment.

“The special court issued statement (against me) under article 6. I heard the decision for the first time on television. There is no precedent of such a decision in the history of Pakistan. Neither did the defendant (Musharraf) nor his lawyers got the chance to plead the case,” said Musharraf in his video message.

Court verdict

The special court on Tuesday had given death sentence to General Musharraf in a treason case for imposing the state of emergency in Pakistan in 2007, suspending the constitution of Pakistan. The court decision drew strong reaction from the Pakistan armed forces as well as it was for the first time in the history of Pakistan that former army chief has been convicted of treason and sentenced to death. Musharraf has the right to appeal against the verdict in the Supreme Court.

“I had also requested the court to make a special commission be sent here (in Dubai) to record my statement but it was not done as well. I say this verdict as doubtful because the due course of law has not been followed from the beginning to the end of this case,” he said in the video obtained by Gulf News.

I am being targeted

“I would also say that there was not need to take up this case under the constitution. However, the case was taken up due to personal vendetta against me by some influential people and I was targeted in this case as an in individual. I was targeted by those who are at high positions and misuse their positions.

“How can these judges who benefited from me during my tenure gave judgement against me. I am thankful to the Pakistan armed forces and Pakistani people who remember my services for the country. It is a big reward for me and I take it with me in my grave,” he said.