Bugti’s son seeking legal advice to bring Musharraf back

ISLAMABAD: Talal Bugti, son of slain Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, says he has sought legal advice from senior lawyers for General (Retd) Pervez Musharraf's early repatriation and trial either inside Pakistan or in the United Kingdom for his father's murder.

"Besides, my legal aides will also move a petition in the Supreme Court seeking measures at the state level such as seeking his extradition through Interpol or diplomatic channels," Talal told our sources on Wednesday.

To a question he said his earlier application for the trial of those involved in Akbar Bugti's assassination is still pending before the apex court for the last so many months. "That is why we are now moving a petition rather than filing another application and this time Musharraf, the real culprit, will be the focus."

Talal Bugti hinted at the issuance of a 'Fatwa' from the religious scholars to declare Pervez Musharraf a "Suleman Rushdi" of Pakistan. "Which crime did he not commit in his eight-year dictatorial rule? Soon you will get a 'Fatwa' from the Ulema of all schools of thought over his heinous crimes, with particular reference to the massacre at Lal Masjid."

He expressed his readiness for a face-to-face encounter with Musharraf on Akbar Bugti's murder. "I accept his challenge and am fully prepared for it." He said a retired military officer is ready to turn approver against former dictator.

Talal, who leads Jamhori Wattan Party (JWP), ruled out the possibility of a direct contact with the government to seek Musharraf's return, saying the PPP leadership is protecting him.

"Did not they (rulers) arrange a guard of honour and safe exit for a dictator despite knowing about his involvement in Akbar Bugti's murder and so many other crimes?" he asked. He asked Musharraf to face the people of Pakistan instead of issuing irresponsible statements from abroad. "We have a strong case against Musharraf as not only he is a murderer of thousands of people but also of democracy," he said.

The JWP chief disclosed that he along with his son Shahzain Bugti would meet Islamabad-based diplomats in connection with their campaign to get Musharraf back. "We will be in Islamabad in a week or so."