ISLAMABAD: Gen. Pervez Musharraf, former president and army chief, may return to Pakistan before March 21 to appear before a special court hearing the treason case against him, according to the leader of his party.
Dr. Mohammed Amjad, president of Musharraf’s All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) party, told Arab News on Friday that Musharraf’s return depends on whether they get government assurance of his security and there are no restrictions on foreign travel.
“Everybody knows that in Pakistan Musharraf faces a lot of security threats, from religious fanatics to militants, so we don’t want to compromise on his security,” Amjad added, but declined to elaborate on security threats from any specific outfit.
“All the cases against Musharraf are fabricated and politically motivated,” he said. “Musharraf has no hesitation in appearing before the courts, and we hope to get justice in all the cases.”
On prosecution lawyer Akram Shaikh’s request, a three-member bench of the special court headed by Justice Yahya Afridi on Thursday directed the government to initiate necessary measures to arrest and extradite Musharraf.
It also directed the government to confiscate all properties of the former president for not appearing before the court.
When Musharraf’s counsel Akhtar Shah raised the issue of his client’s security in Pakistan, Ministry of Interior officials assured the court on Thursday that Musharraf will be accorded foolproof security in the country.
Next hearing of the treason case against Musharraf is on March 21.
In March 2014, the former army chief was indicted in the case of imposition of extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007, though he had rejected the charges against him.
Musharraf went to Dubai in March 2014 for medical treatment after the federal government allowed him to travel abroad. A few months later, he was declared him an absconder by a court for failing to appear at a hearing.
The Ministry of Interior is now considering preparing a strong charge-sheet against Musharraf, before formally requesting Interpol for red warrant of the former president.
A Ministry of Interior official told Arab News: “We are consulting legal experts to implement the court orders for arrest and extradition of Pervez Musharraf.”
“We don’t want to get embarrassed, so we are trying to prepare a comprehensive charge-sheet against him for Interpol. The whole process can take two to three more days,” he added.
In August 2012, Interpol rejected Pakistan’s request to issue a red warrant against Musharraf in Benazir Bhutto assassination case citing insufficient evidence and documentation.
The Ministry of Interior has to prepare a case, then forward it to the Interpol section of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The FIA’s Interpol section then sends the information on to Interpol requesting the issuance of the red warrant.
“We have not received any written application so far for arrest warrants for Musharraf,” Shahid, a director at the FIA’s Interpol department, told Arab News.
Tahir Malik, a political analyst, told Arab News that Musharraf is using his personal security as a pretext not to return to Pakistan. “Being an ex-army chief and former president, he will automatically get foolproof security in Pakistan not only by the civilian government but also by his own institution,” he said.
Malik said that the APML has little chance of winning a seat in the upcoming general elections. “Musharraf has a kind of fan following in Pakistan, but this cannot help him win even a single seat in the elections,” he said.
Musharraf may return to Pakistan if security is provided, says aide
Musharraf may return to Pakistan if security is provided, says aide
Asia rings in 2026 with Australia hosting defiant celebration after mass shooting
- Australia holds defiant celebrations after its worst mass shooting in nearly 30 years
- Hong Kong holds a subdued event after a deadly fire in tower blocks
MELBOURNE, Australia: Auckland was the first major city to ring in 2026 with a fireworks display launched from New Zealand’s tallest structure, Sky Tower, followed by a defiant celebration in Australia in the aftermath of its worst mass shooting.
South Pacific countries were the first to bid farewell to 2025. Clocks stuck midnight in Auckland 18 hours before the famous ball drop in New York’s Times Square. The five-minute display involved 3,500 fireworks.
Defiant celebration in Australia after worst mass shooting
Australia’s east coast welcomed 2026 two hours after New Zealand. In Sydney, the country’s largest city, celebrations were held under the pall of Australia’s worst mass shooting in almost 30 years. Two gunmen targeted a Hannukah celebration at Bondi Beach on Dec. 14, killing 15 and wounding 40.
A heavy police presence monitored the thousands who thronged to the waterfront to watch a fireworks show centered on the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Many officers openly carried rapid-fire rifles, a first for the annual event.
An hour before midnight, the massacre victims were commemorated with a minute of silence while images of a menorah were projected on the bridge pylons. The crowd was invited to show solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns urged Sydney residents not to stay away through fear, saying extremists would interpret smaller crowds at New Year’s Eve festivities as a victory.
“We have to show defiance in the face of this terrible crime and say that we’re not going to be cowered by this kind of terrorism,” he said.
Indonesia and Hong Kong hold subdued events
In Indonesia, one of Australia’s nearest neighbors, cities scaled back festivities as a gesture of solidarity with communities devastated by floods and landslides that struck parts of Sumatra island a month ago, claiming more than 1,100 lives.
The capital, Jakarta, was not ringing in 2026 with its usual fanfare, choosing subdued celebrations with a program centered on prayers for victims, city Gov. Pramono Anung said last week.
Makassar Mayor Munafri Arifuddin urged residents of one of Indonesia’s largest cities to forgo parties, calling for prayer and reflection. “Empathy and restraint are more meaningful than fireworks and crowds,” he said.
Concerts and fireworks on Indonesia’s tourist island of Bali were canceled and replaced with a cultural arts event featuring traditional dances.
Hong Kong, too, was ringing in 2026 without the usual spectacle in the sky over iconic Victoria Harbor, after a massive fire in November killed at least 161 people.
The facades of eight landmarks were turning into giant countdown clocks presenting a three-minute light show at midnight.
Many parts of Asia welcome the new year by observing age-old traditions.
In Japan, crowds were gathering at a Buddhist temple in Tokyo for a bell striking at midnight. In the South Korean capital, Seoul, a bell tolling and countdown ceremony were being held at the Bosingak Pavilion.
Berliners celebrate in snowfall
Tourists and Berliners alike marked the end of 2025 by enjoying snowfall, taking selfies and making snowmen in front of the German capital’s cathedral and the iconic Brandenburg Gate. The Berlin TV Tower was nearly invisible thanks to the falling flakes and fog.
Quieter celebrations in Greece and Cyprus
Greece and Cyprus were ringing in 2026 by turning down the volume, replacing traditional fireworks with low-noise pyrotechnics, light shows and drone displays in capital cities. Low-noise fireworks avoid the explosive bursts that generate the loud cracks of traditional displays.
Officials in the countries said the change is intended to make celebrations more welcoming for children and pets, particularly animals sensitive to loud noise.
Additional security in New York City
Police in New York City will have additional anti-terrorism measures at the Times Square ball drop, with “mobile screening teams” in search of suspicious activity. It is not in response to a specific threat, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
After the ball drops in Times Square, it will rise once again, sparking in red, white and blue, to mark the country’s upcoming 250th birthday celebration. It will be one of several patriotic flourishes throughout the night, organizers said.
Zohran Mamdani will take office as mayor at the start of 2026. Two swearing-in ceremonies are planned, starting with a private ceremonial event around midnight in an old subway station.
