Treason case against me to deflect criticism: Benazir

Self-exiled former Pakistan PM Benazir Bhutto has said the threats by the government to file a treason case against her for ‘‘revelations’’ that the military planned a Kargil-type attack on India was an attempt to deflect criticism against the arrests of Pakistan Army personnel for links with extremist groups.

Rejecting the threats by the government to prosecute her for disclosing ‘‘military plans’’ in violation of oath of secrecy as Prime Minister, Bhutto’s Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) said that by disapproving a Kargil-type of attack when she was premier, she saved lives of Army personnel and the country’s honour.

‘‘After the arrest of several army officers for alleged ties to extremist groups, hardliners in the military were desperate to scandalise Bhutto who is the alternative leader of the country given her popular support,’’ a party statement said.

‘‘Bhutto saved the country from the humiliation of a unilateral withdrawal at the dictation of New Delhi as conveyed from Washington… Because she possessed leadership qualities to defend the self respect and honour of Pakistan,’’ the PPP statement said.