Former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf disclosed that he had received millions of US dollars from Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia back in 2009 to purchase apartments in London and Dubai.
In an interview with Nadeem Malik on Samaa TV, he claimed that he had received “financial assistance” from King Abdul Aziz back in 2009. However, Musharraf avoided to disclose the details, saying that it was a “private affair” so he would not go into details.
“Shah Abdullah was like a brother to me,” Musharraf said, adding that they had family relations and he even had access to the residence of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.
“I was the only one with whom he used to smoke,” said Musharraf while trying to cement his claim.
“King Abdullah himself had invited me to the holy Khana Kaaba and in one instance he brought me forward in Jumma prayers,” he said while explaining his relations with the late king.
Musharraf claimed that no one can prove that he had purchased any property abroad while enjoying power in Pakistan. The former military ruler said that he used to deliver lectures abroad and receive payments ranging between $100,000 to $150,000 per lecture.
“I would be held accountable, if I had make property while being in power. But I went abroad in 2009 and then established the property in my individual capacity, so it is my private matter,” he said.
Musharraf suggests operation in Punjab
Talking about the current scenario in Pakistan, he said “Punjab has become the stronghold of militancy”. The former military ruler suggested that an operation should be carried out in the province.
“The problem is that there is a political over tone in Punjab, politicians are involved with them [terrorists]. People associated with the main party are involved (with terrorists) here, so they do not allow an operation there. They are not thinking for Pakistan but for their party and their individual benefits.”
He alleged that an important personality in the ruling PML-N has “linkages with terrorists” and everyone knows this.
