Rehman Malik denied immunity under NRO

ISLAMABAD—Former Director FIA Rehman Malik left for Dubai along with Pakistan Peoples Party Chairperson Benazir Bhutto in utter desperation and despondency after being told by the government officials that he did not fall under the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) and could be arrested any time.
Rehman, wanted by Pakistan government in more than a dozen cases of corruption and malpractice, was also told in plain words that the relevant authorities were not willing to drop corruption charges against him, highly placed sources have confided to this scribe. Moreover, the higher authorities expressed displeasure and annoyance over the recent activities of Mr. Malik in the federal capital during the last two weeks. During which he held several parleys with senior bureaucrats and told them that he would hold a key position in the next setup. He also told some journalists that he had held a special meeting with the head of a secret agency.
The sources told that the name of the former FIA official was temporarily dropped from Exit Control List (ECL) on the request of Benazir Bhutto and the authorities concerned had conveyed the PPP leader that the corruption charges against Malik were not covered in the NRO and the authorities would nab him soon. On the other hand, sources close to the above-mentioned secret agency officer have absolutely rejected any such meeting. They said neither the said officer had held any such a meeting nor there was any possibility in future.
Mr. Malik, known for baseless and fabricated media buildup, launched a similar campaign soon after landing in Pakistan. He is telling senior journalists and government officials that as an important ‘lieutenant’ of Benazir Bhutto, he would hold a significant position in the future setup. He also held secret meetings with federal secretaries and got unmatched protocol. The sources of PPP told this correspondent that due to his bid to take the center stage, Malik has sharply gained unpopularity inside his party circles, while PPP stalwarts opine that he could even become a ‘serious threat’ to the political career of Benazir Bhutto.
Bilawal House sources have reported a recent heated discussion between Mr. Malik and Naheed Khan. During the argument, Naheed Khan held Rehman Malik responsible for dissolution of Benazir Bhutto’s second government. ‘If BB does not get into power again, you would be responsible for that’ sources quoted Naheed Khan as saying. In a recent development, some federal secretaries were summoned by the top brass and were told in plain words to ‘keep away’ from Malik. They also took notice of the protocol extended to Malik and all the luxury vehicles provided to him by bureaucracy were immediately withdrawn.
Recent attempts to contact senior PPP leadership regarding the issue were met with continued failure, since all refused to comment on his availability. PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto, upon her arrival in Dubai from Karachi, has stated that extremists are defaming Islam and such elements are the strengthening source of dictatorial regimes. While talking to a private-run TV channel, extremism, she said that extremism was hammering the interests of Muslims and public. These elements, using different covers of sect, jihad etc, she says, are defaming Islam. “Extremist entities are involved in drug trafficking and illegal arms trade. Today, Pakistan is facing situation much similar to Iraq”, she told.
“Actually, I came here to inquire the health of my mother and to see my children. And, I will return to Pakistan on Nov 8, wherein I have to address a public rally in Rawalpindi”, she told.—Online