Special Court declares Musharraf proclaimed offender in high treason case

RAWALPINDI: The special court formed to try former president General (rtd) Pervez Musharraf for high treason on Wednesday declared him a proclaimed offender.

The special court comprising a three-member bench heard the case under Justice Mian Mazhar Alam Khel.

The Federal Investigative Agency (FIA) officials presented a report in the court saying that the officials pursued the suspect at his residences in Karachi and the capital, but they came to know that Musharraf is abroad for medical purposes.

The special court in its ruling while declaring Musharraf a proclaimed offender, also ordered advertising the order in both Urdu ad English daily newspapers.

The advertisements carrying the former president’s image will be displayed outside his residences and outside the court premises as well, directed the special court.

Justice Khel said that in the next hearing the court can also issue red warrants against the suspect.

Upon constant failure to appear in the court, the court observed that if the trend continues, the former president’s property will be liable to forfeit.

The next session of the court will be held on July 12.

In March 2014, Musharraf was formally indicted over treason charges for imposing emergency and the Provisional Constitutional Order on November 3, 2007.