Sir: Retired General Pervez Musharraf did not appear in the court on Wednesday. His legal team told the honourable court that their client could not make it due to the lack of appropriate security arrangements, citing that a kilogram of explosive material was recovered and defused near Musharraf’s Chak Shahzad farmhouse residence. Musharraf’s lawyers gave the same excuse a few days ago, when the court had summoned him for the hearing of the treason case. During this period he gave an interview to the international media claiming that Pakistan army is upset over the treason charges he has been accused with and it is fully backing him up. Due to this remark, the entire nation that already had doubts has become more confused. It is pertinent to mention that when Musharraf was appearing in different courts for his bail there was not a single time bomb or explosive material found on his way. When Musharraf was Chief of the Army Staff, it was a tough time for the army personnel. General Kayani was the person who restored the image of the army. But once again Musharraf is trying to save himself from treason charges by defaming the army. In the present scenario it is the general perception of the public that Musharraf should be punished due to his wrongdoings. In the recent past we have seen ISPR issue statements on Munawar Hassan, the Kerry Lugar Bill and on other matters. Now it is time for Pakistan army’s new leadership to take a stand on this matter and clear its position. MOHAMMAD ASLAM SHAIKH Karachi