Pakistan’s ex-brigadier ready to testify against Musharraf

ISLAMABAD - A retired brigadier of the Pakistani Army is ready to testify against former president Pervez Musharraf in the killing of a popular Baluch tribal leader, a local politician said Saturday.

Former brigadier Masood Malik, who served during General Musharraf’s regime, has agreed to become approver against the dictator in Nawab Akbar Bugti murder case, Geo TV quoted Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP) president Talal Bugti as saying.

Addressing media persons at Nawab Bugti’s residence in Balochistan, Talal said that the former military ruler had sought to strengthen the case against him by declaring Akbar Bugti a traitor.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Sardar Yaqoob Khan Nasir was also present at the press briefing.

Musharraf ruled the country for nine years after overthrowing the civilian government of the then prime minister Nawaz Sharif in a bloodless coup in 1999.

Nawab Bugti was killed in August 2006 when Pakistani security personnel attacked his cave during an anti-insurgency operation in the tribal area.