Musharraf lands in Karachi amid tight security

Published April 19, 2014
The convoy transporting former Pakistani military ruler Pervez Musharraf arrives at his residence in Karachi. -AFP Photo
The convoy transporting former Pakistani military ruler Pervez Musharraf arrives at his residence in Karachi. -AFP Photo
Pervez Musharraf. — File photo
Pervez Musharraf. — File photo
A convoy of Pakistan's former President Pervez Musharraf escorted by paramilitary troops, leaves his house for the airport in Islamabad. -AP Photo
A convoy of Pakistan's former President Pervez Musharraf escorted by paramilitary troops, leaves his house for the airport in Islamabad. -AP Photo
Pakistani paramilitary soldiers cordon the Islamabad International Airport's Rawal Lounge for former military ruler Pervez Musharraf in Islamabad. -AFP Photo
Pakistani paramilitary soldiers cordon the Islamabad International Airport's Rawal Lounge for former military ruler Pervez Musharraf in Islamabad. -AFP Photo

ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: Former president Pervez Musharraf's special chartered plane has arrived in Karachi on late Saturday night, after departing from Islamabad.

The port city has been on high alert with roads being cordoned off for the former president's security.

It is the first time that the former president, who will be staying at his residence in the city, has left Islamabad after being indicted in a high treason case by a special court last month.

Musharraf is due to appear in court in person in Islamabad on Monday in the murder case of a slain Baloch nationalist leader, or face arrest.

But his aides insisted his visit to Karachi had been pre-planned.

“He was planning to spend some time with his daughter there as his wife is in Dubai taking care of his ailing mother,” Afshan Adil, a close aide and lawyer told AFP.

“He is also supposed to undergo some diagnostic tests in a Navy-run hospital there,” she added.

It was unclear whether Musharraf would return to the federal capital for the Monday court hearing.

Earlier on, the former president left his farmhouse in Islamabad for Benazir Bhutto International Airport.

Two armoured vehicles escorted him to the airport, with surrounding roads closed to the public and a heavy contingent of rangers and police deployed along the route.

Security sources close to Musharraf said that during his stay in Karachi, which would be for about over a week, he is expected to meet family, friends and the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) office-bearers.

Sources said the visit of the former military ruler was on account of the security issues confronting him as well as for the continuation of his medical treatment.

It was also contended that Musharraf would be treated in Karachi's PNS Shifa hospital.

The Sindh government has made strict security arrangements for his arrival, including a bullet-proof car, five armoured vehicles and deployment of 3,000 Rangers and police personnel.

Sources moreover said that there were complete preparations to transfer Musharraf from his Chak Shahzad farmhouse residence.

After his indictment on March 31, the former president was shifted from the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC), where he was under medical treatment, to the farmhouse residence.

According to sources, Musharraf’s health has improved and due to this the decision regarding his transfer to Karachi has been taken.

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...