Human Rights Watch has criticized the reported continued military protection for General Musharraf and stated that this makes a mockery of claims that Pakistan's armed forces support the rule of law and brings the military into further disrepute that it can ill-afford.
An official of Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Association (PESA) brushed aside speculations that Pakistan army was complicit in Masharraf's return or is supporting him. He revealed that Musharraf's close friends in the military had advised him not to return to Pakistan. They had in fact asked him to project Pakistan's positive image abroad through his lectures.
Colonel Inam-ur-Raheem (Retd), a legal expert dealing with military cases said there is no provision under Army Act which compels the army to provide legal assistance to Musharraf as a retired general. He accused the "establishment" of helping Musharraf escape from the court room; and added that contingents of Islamabad Capital Police and Rangers were deputed inside and outside the court room who ensured that he escaped.
Colonel Raheem (Retd) further stated that Musharraf was tried in court under Anti-Terrorism Act and there is no provision that he be kept under house arrest. "He is not eligible to get even Class A in jail under ATA. A separate cell is set up to deal with those convicted under ATA," he said.
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