Pakistanis unhappy with Musharraf being ‘big speaker’ at Stanford

“Please refer to the specific crimes of Musharraf,especially the treason of November 3,2007,the unconstitutional National Reconciliation Ordinance,the missing people,the high-level corruption and illegal allotment of lands,the destruction of institutions and absolute misuse of power,” Khurram said in his appeal.

“In an email to her US spokesman Mark Seigel,(slain former premier) Benazir Bhutto had put the blame on Musharraf for her assassination if that ever happened,” Khurram added.

Musharraf is being hosted by Standford University as this year’s Big Speaker and will deliver his keynote address on “Terrorism and Extremism – The Need for a Holistic Approach” on January 16.

A post on Stanford University’s website stated: “As the former President of Pakistan,Pervez Musharraf held ‘the world’s most dangerous job’,according to Time Magazine. He has twice come within inches of assassination. His forces have caught more than 670 members of Al Qaida in the mountains and cities,yet many others remain at large and active,including Osama bin Laden.

“Long locked in a deadly embrace with its nuclear neighbour India,Pakistan has come close to full-scale war on two occasions since exploding a nuclear bomb in 1998. No stranger to controversy,President Musharraf has faced challenges with high stakes for the world at large. He offers an unparalleled view into the centre of a region where the eyes of the world remain focused.

“President Musharraf’s insights into Pakistan and its role in today’s global challenges from the economy to trade to energy are not to be missed,” the post stated.

Though Khurram gave email IDs and phone numbers of Standford University staff and asked Pakistanis to ‘spread the word’ about Musharraf and urge the varsity to cancel the lecture,not many agree with Khurram.

“Way to go! Musharraf was so much better than these guys. I’d love to see him speaking. I wish he comes to the UK for some lectures too,” wrote Anas Imtiaz,a Pakistani based in Britain in response to Khurram’s appeal.

A blogger known as Aijaz agreed,”This is great for Pakistan. Unfortunately,the illiterate population of Pakistan fails to realise what is good for Pakistan. They prefer corrupt politicians over their freedom,education and development.”

Another blogger also opposed the move to prevent Musharraf’s lecture,saying that “even if we don’t agree with him (Musharraf) and loathe him,why should one choose to call Stanford University and further embarrass and defame our country? When you are outside Pakistan,you should act as a Pakistani.”

Standford is hosting Musharraf along with several other organisations,including the Center for International Security and Cooperation,the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies,the Bechtel International Center and the Muslim Student Awareness Network.