Is a former ISI official behind maligning Sharif's image to protect Musharraf?

Islamabad, Aug. 26 (ANI): While former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has come under fire from certain quarters for protecting former President General Pervez Musharraf from being tried under Article six of the Constitution, a report in a leading Pakistan daily suggests that Sharif is being targeted.

According to The News, while it is difficult to determine as to who is behind this campaign to prevent Sharif from initiating an all out legal war against Musharraf and press for his trial under the High Treason act, there are indications of involvement of some key government players in this blamegame.

The hand of some in military establishment can not be ruled out.

When asked about the issue, Brigadier (retired) Imtiaz, who recently blamed Sharif for protecting Musharraf, he said he is not involved in any secret game being played among some establishments to delay the former Army chief's prosecution.

Brigadier Imtiaz denied playing into the hands of the government.

"Instead, I am a strong advocate of holding Musharraf accountable for his crimes against Pakistan," the former ISI spy of the 'Midnight Jackals' said.

However, the PML-N is certain that Imtiaz is playing 'someone's dirty game'.

"Brigadier Imtiaz's interviews and MQM Altaf Hussain's statements are part of the strategy to malign Nawaz Sharif and prevent him from pursuing Musharraf's trial," said PML-N spokesperson Pervez Rashid.

ashid said there are many people who fear that if Musharraf is tried for his 'extrajudicial' and 'unconstitutional' orders, then they too would come under the scanner for playing a part in Musharraf's November 3, 2007 misdeeds.

The report also revealed that there are certain people in the present PPP-led government who are in close contact with Musharraf and want to defeat the bid of his trial. (ANI)