Houston: APML stages rally in favour of Musharraf

HOUSTON: All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) Houston chapter strongly condemned what they called the one-sided state discrimination against the former military ruler General (retd) Pervez Musharraf.

Men, women, and children participated in the protest, demanding the withdrawal of all cases registered against the former president, denying bails, and adding terror charges.

Protestors demanded Musharraf’s immediate release. The demand was made at a protest organized by All Pakistan Muslim League Houston chapter at the corner of Hillcroft and Harwin, a wholesale business hub of Houston, on Friday.

While addressing protesters, an APML Houston Chapter General Secretary Saeed Sheikh said, "It is shameful for us to claim that Pakistan is a democratic country when the most important pillar of the state is working with such discrimination. We are very displeased with the way Musharraf has been treated since returning from his self-imposed exile."

Sheikh also said that Musharraf fulfilled all requirements given in constitution of Articles 62 and 63. He was not only barred to run for this upcoming election on May 11, 2013, but also disqualified for life, he added.

Sheikh further said that today Musharraf is not convicted of any crime but punishment is imposed on him as if he is guilty. Charges were framed against him in his absence from the country in the last four years.

He also recognize President APML Houston Chapter Nomaan Husain, Saeed Harris, Tariq Khan, Kamran Jillani, Matloob Khan and all other members of organizing Committee for all their work towards this cause and specially thanked S. Javaid Anwar of Midland Texas for his unconditional help & support.

According to Tariq Khan, APML Houston Chapter Media Coordinator, Many of the protesters argued that members of terrorist outfits have been allowed to stand in elections without any scrutiny applied to them, but the man who fought for Pakistan at the global level has been denied his basic human rights. Pakistan legal system has allowed corrupt, tax evaders, and thieves run for elections, he claimed.

While chanting different slogans in favor of the ex President, participants of the protest demanded the withdrawal of all cases registered against the former president and release him immediately, saying that Musharraf is a national hero, and therefore he should be allowed to contest the elections.