Pakistan May Show Leniency in Sharif Case
Pakistan’s military leader, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, indicated Thursday that he may spare the life of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who faces a possible death sentence if convicted of trying to kill Musharraf during a coup in Pakistan last fall.
Sharif, who was the democratically elected leader of Pakistan, is charged with hijacking, terrorism, attempted murder and kidnapping. The verdict and sentence from a special anti-terrorism court are expected April 6.
Asked during a visit to Indonesia whether he would commute Sharif’s sentence if the former leader is condemned to hang, Musharraf said, “I wouldn’t like to put the cart before the horse. Let the sentence come.
“I am not a vindictive man,” he added. “After the decision, we’ll take action.”
Musharraf arrived here Thursday for a two-day visit aimed at improving the military regime’s image and advancing economic ties with Indonesia, which has the world’s largest Muslim population. During the trip he met with President Abdurrahman Wahid.
Musharraf arrived from Singapore, where he said Pakistan will privatize some major industries to help alleviate its massive debt, which stands at $38 billion.
“We are in a debt trap. It’s one of the biggest issues,” Musharraf said at a meeting with Singapore’s Pakistani community.
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