CNN IBN's global expose has certainly rattled the Pakistani authorities. From the familiar old denial, to the tactic of shooting the messenger, Pakistani officials have resorted to the same script when confronted with the bitter, cold truth of Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar's admission.
First off the blocks, was Chaudhry Mukhtar's old cabinet colleague, former interior minister Rehman Malik. He claimed that CNN-IBN was twisting the story and Chaudhry Mukhtar said what he said because of a language barrier.
But CNN-IBN stands by its story. We didn't put words in Chaudhry Mukhtar's mouth. We didn't quote him out of context. He chose to give this interview of his own free will.
Question: Are you saying that President Zardari knew, General Kayani knew?
Answer: Yes.
Rehman Malik needs to look no further than his fellow country man Wajid Shamsul Hassan who was Pakistan's High Commissioner to London at the time Osama was killed.
Wajid Shamsul Hassan said, "I have no reason to disbelieve him. He is saying the truth. He is a reasonable man. He was the defence minister. He should know."
He's not the only one. Talat Masood, one of Pakistan's best known defence analysts says, if this is true, then it's simply a reflection of the pathetic state of Pakistan's polity.
CNN-IBN's global exclusive has shocked and awed many in Pakistan. But the response, as expected is one of strategic denial. After all, you don't expect anything better from people who take their cue from General Pervez Musharraf.
General Pervez Musharraf said," I am 500% sure that I didn't know. As far as Army and ISI are concerned, they could not have kept it from me as I am from them and they are from me."
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