Search the Internet          Tips

Musharraf strips ex-Naval chief
of rank for corruption

K J M Varma in Islamabad

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has stripped former navy chief Admiral Mansur- ul-Haq of the rank and military honours following his conviction in a corruption case.

Haq, who was deported from the US last year to face trial, was found guilty by an anti-corruption court of taking millions of dollars of kickbacks in the French submarine deal.

Chairman National Accountability Bureau Lt Gen Muneer Hafeez told a news conference that Musharraf, on the recommendation of the Naval Headquarters, also suspended the entire pension and all accompanying benefits of Haq and removed his name from the retired list.

Haq was removed by deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in 1998 after he was accused of receiving millions of dollars commission in the purchase of French sub-marines in late 80s.

He left the country in 1998 to settle in Austin, Texas, USA. At the instance of Pakistan government, he was sent back home last year.

Haq's plea-bargain was settled today in an accountability court in Rawalpindi when the former chief of naval staff pleaded guilty for having received commissions and kickbacks in defence deals from various foreign defence contractors.

Haq offered to pay an amount of $ 6.27 million as part of the down payment component of the total $ 7.5 million fine imposed on him.

Haq also offered to surrender all his assets and properties.

PTI

Tell us what you think of this report