New Delhi: In a surprise move, Pakistan President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday dropped all pending cases against former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and a number of other politicians. However, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif doesn't figure in the list of favoured politicians.
An ordinance will soon be issued, giving amnesty to politicians like Bhutto who face charges of misconduct and abuse of office. Official sources said the Pakistan President has already signed the ordinance and it is reaching the law ministry in a later on Tuesday.
Pakistan's Railway Minister Sheikh Rashid confirmed that the corruption cases against Bhutto were being quashed. She can now return to her homeland without any fear of arrest or prosecution, he said.
Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party, however, termed the move as an effort of the Musharraf administration to show to the world that he has reached some kind of an understanding with her.
"The government is trying to show that Benazir Bhutto is striking a deal with Gen Musharraf. We have not heard of any charges being cleared against her," PPP spokesperson Farhatullah Babar said.
Earlier reports had indicated that Bhutto was planning to seek anticipatory bail before her return to Pakistan on October 18. In London, her spokesman Farhatullah Babar denied any knowledge of the amnesty granted by Gen Musharraf.
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