ISLAMABAD

Pakistan’s former military dictator General Pervez Musharraf, for the first time, has tendered a public apology for any “misdeeds” he may have committed during his 9-year stint.

“Whatever I did (during 9-year rule), I did that for the country and the nation. But even then, if someone thinks that I have done something wrong, I apologize for that," an emotional General Musharraf said in an interview with a local TV channel ARY on Thursday night.

General Musharraf who ousted the elected government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on October 12, 1999, is going to be tried for high treason from December 24, vowed that he was fully ready to face the courts, and wanted to clear himself of all the charges.

“I am not scared at all. And I will not run away also. I will be very much here to face the courts," a confident Musharraf wrapped in a traditional shawl (warm sheet), said.

This is for the first time, he has sought forgiveness for his acts.

Terming the performance of incumbent Pakistan Muslim League government, and the former five-year rule of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Musharraf said his tenure was way better than the so-called democratic governments in terms of economy, law and order and other social and economic indicators.

“Beggars are always kicked wherever they go," he said referring to the government’s policy to approach the IMF and the World Bank for fresh loans.

General Musharraf, who has been receiving life threats from Taliban, supported the idea of holding talks with them to bring an end to the ongoing militancy in the country.

“I am in favor of talks with Taliban. Talks should be held with them," he added.

He appealed to the people of Pakistan to support the army and the powerful spy agency ISI in war against terrorism.

General Musharraf is facing treason charge for imposing an emergency in the country on November 3, 2007 by imposing an emergency which held the Constitution in abeyance.

A seven member bench of the Supreme Court headed by the then Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudry had declared General Musharraf’s act unconstitutional and illegal minutes after its proclamation, however security forces put several High and supreme court judges, including the then Chief Justice under house arrest.

Musharraf was forced to resign in August, 2008 when the then ruling party Pakistan Peoples Party, and opposition Pakistan Muslim League (PML) threatened to impeach him.

The federal government last month had appointed three judges for the special court to try Musharraf for high treason under Article 6.

Justice Faisal Arab of the Sindh High Court will head the special court, which has summoned General Musharraf on December 24.

Musharraf is also facing trial in murder cases of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, and former Chief Minister of Southwestern Baluchistan, and a veteran politician, Nawab Akbar Bugti. He is on bail in the said cases.

By Aamir Latif - Anadolu Agency

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