Former Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf said the death sentence ruling against him for high treason was motivated by people in high positions.
A video released late on Wednesday showed the ailing former military dictator speaking from his hospital bed in Dubai, a day after a special court ruled against him for imposing emergency rule when he was in power in 2007.
In his first reaction to the court ruling, Musharraf said he was targeted by some people who harboured “personal enmity” against him and were misusing the offices they occupied.
This is the first time in Pakistan’s history that a former army chief has been sentenced to death.
Musharraf has been living in London and Dubai since 2016 when he was allowed to leave his home country for medical treatment.
“I have heard the special court verdict against me for the first time on television,” he said in the video.
“There is no precedent for a verdict like this, where neither the defendant nor his lawyer is allowed to speak in defence.”
Musharraf said the procedures of law were not followed throughout the proceedings and his plea for a special commission to go to Dubai and take his statement was also rejected.
He said he was deeply indebted to the people of Pakistan and the army for remembering his contribution to the country. He would forever value their sentiments and would take this memory “to my grave".
Musharraf said he would decide on his next course of action after consulting with his legal team.
The court ruling is being regarded as a standoff between the judiciary and the powerful military over the rule of law.
While opposition politicians and lawyers welcomed it, the military reacted swiftly, saying a former general who fought wars to defend the country could “surely never be a traitor”.
The army said the ruling was received with a “lot of pain and anguish by the rank and file of the Pakistani armed forces".
Musharraf had imposed emergency when there was rising opposition to his rule.
His final years in office were marred by conflict with the judiciary when he placed judges under house arrest and tried to sack the chief justice in 2007.
He clashed with the judiciary over his decision to stay as head of the army while he was president.
Musharraf came to power after ousting former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in 1999.
Mr Sharif returned to office and accused Musharraf of treason in 2013, and he was formally charged a year later.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Red Joan
Director: Trevor Nunn
Starring: Judi Dench, Sophie Cookson, Tereza Srbova
Rating: 3/5 stars
More from Aya Iskandarani
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Results
ATP Dubai Championships on Monday (x indicates seed):
First round
Roger Federer (SUI x2) bt Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 6-4, 3-6, 6-1
Fernando Verdasco (ESP) bt Thomas Fabbiano (ITA) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2
Marton Fucsovics (HUN) bt Damir Dzumhur (BIH) 6-1, 7-6 (7/5)
Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) bt Karen Khachanov (RUS x4) 6-4, 6-1
Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) bt Milos Raonic (CAN x7) 6-4, 5-7, 6-4
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Ain Dubai in numbers
126: The length in metres of the legs supporting the structure
1 football pitch: The length of each permanent spoke is longer than a professional soccer pitch
16 A380 Airbuses: The equivalent weight of the wheel rim.
9,000 tonnes: The amount of steel used to construct the project.
5 tonnes: The weight of each permanent spoke that is holding the wheel rim in place
192: The amount of cable wires used to create the wheel. They measure a distance of 2,4000km in total, the equivalent of the distance between Dubai and Cairo.
The specs
Price, base: Dh228,000 / Dh232,000 (est)
Engine: 5.7-litre Hemi V8
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 395hp @ 5,600rpm
Torque: 552Nm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.5L / 100km
