Sir: Military dictator Pervez Musharraf’s intended return to Pakistan, under protective bail, for contesting the forthcoming elections to be at the apex of administration once again, is sad news for all those who want to see the democratic process flourish in Pakistan. Absconders like him, who came to power through the backdoor by toppling an elected government to become the self-proclaimed president, should be charged and apprehended on arrival for all the pending cases of murder, treason, instigator of the Red mosque massacre, sacking of the chief justice, violation of the constitution and all other wrong doings. He should be tried legally in a neutral court of law and, if proven guilty, he must be punished severely to set a precedent for others to avoid repetition. Though protective bail is understandable, it would have been appropriate not to let him roam around for his ill intentions, initiating complex legal hassles in Pakistan. He, like his predecessors and some political leaders who have proclaimed being the saviours of Pakistan, had initiated the process of disintegration of Pakistan through executive orders and constitutional amendments for the attainment of personal agendas. This will continue unless we put an end to it by punishing the culprits. He ruled Pakistan with an iron fist, destroying opponents, the democratic process, supporting the feudal system and getting re-elected through the outgoing parliament. During his many years of governance, what corrective measures has he taken to improve the miseries of the masses? He has milked the country and it is time to pay him back for this by helping him pass the rest of his life in prison. MOHAMMAD ASHRAF Winnipeg, Canada