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Journalism of Courage
Pakistan8217;s former president Pervez Musharraf8217;s first day out of the office was spent in leisurely manner, listening to the songs of Mohammed Rafi and mingling with family and friends.
The day started with breakfast with his family. There were also courtesy calls from some old friends. Musharraf sought their views on his resignation, the future of Pakistan after his stepping down and the election of the next President.
Most of Musharraf8217;s friends congratulated him on his 8220;safe exit8221;, The News daily reported. One friend, a retired naval official, pointed out that Musharraf was the only military ruler who was given a guard of honour by the army on his departure from the Presidency.
Musharraf received phone calls from his well-wishers, who expressed their solidarity with the former President and said the two main coalition partners Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari, would start fighting with each other. When a friend informed him that Zardari wanted to replace him with a woman, he laughed and claimed 8220;as long as Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman is part of the ruling coalition, no woman can become President of Pakistan8221;.
On Tuesday, Musharraf watched TV channels, which were beaming the celebrations by the public on his departure. He smiled and said that 8220;all these TV wallahs will be taught great lessons by Zardari and Nawaz Sharif soon8221;. He later listened to songs by Rafi, including his favourite Chal Urr Jaa Rey Panchi. He called a friend and reportedly told him, 8220;I am here, I will not run away. I am not a panchi who will fly away from Pakistan.8221;
