.

Indrani Bagchi Monday June 22, 2009 A week ago, a visit by Pervez Musharraf, former Pakistan president, to Russia alerted Indian authorities.The visit was facilitated by a private businessman, but India realized quite soon that Musharraf wasdoing some facilitation of his own, preparing the way for the visit of Pakistan army chief, Ashfaque Kayani today. Musharraf, who remains very much a part of Pakistan's military establishment reportedly had a very "productive" meeting with Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin. The upshot of that meeting seems to be that Russia is willing to take another look at a defence relationship with Pakistan. Kayani went off on a short visit to Russia today, where he is to meet defence and foreign ministers and the army chief. The key question is, can this be the turning point in Russia's defence relationship with Pakistan? If Russia starts selling arms to Pakistan, it will actually be a hugeturnaround – in all these decades, Russia is pro...

Islamabad: Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf is loving every moment of his retired life and is looking forward to his lecture tour to India next month as he plans to 'counter the Indians on their own home ground'. After being at the helm of affairs for nine years, the former military ruler is currently keeping himself busy giving lectures. He has just returned to Pakistan after a two-week lecture tour to the US. "I love this life. I am relaxed and satisfied. And I am enjoying my lecture tours. Next month I am going to India for the same purpose. Let's counter the Indians on their own home ground," Musharraf, who still occupies the well-guarded Army House, the official residence of the army chief in Rawalpindi, told the influential 'Dawn' newspaper. The report did not provide specific details of his planned visit to India. Musharraf also said he has no regrets about any of his actions since the military coup that brought him to power in October 19...