Musharraf verdict: Govt won’t oppose appeal, says attorney general

ISLAMABAD: Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan on Tuesday said former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf was not given a fair trial as he was handed a death penalty in absentia by a special court in the high treason case. 

“Pervez Musharraf was neither allowed to produce evidence nor given a chance to record his statement under Section 342 by the court,” AG Khan said while addressing a press conference. “Neither I am supporting anyone nor giving comments in favour of an individual but only describing legal aspects of the case.”

“The requirements for a fair trial under Article 10-A of the Constitution were not fulfilled in the Musharraf high treason case and the verdict was illegal. It is not only that a fair trial must be held but also that it is seen to be fair,” Khan added.

The attorney general added the incumbent government had tried to correct the mistakes of its predecessor and the court had taken a tough position on it.

"When the additional attorney general went to court to present his arguments, he was told that he had not been appointed by the federal government," AG Khan said.

Read also: Musharraf treason case: Special court hands death penalty to former military ruler

Khan further said the prime minister had always stood for the rule of law and will continue to do so. "If a fair trial cannot be seen then the accused cannot be punished," he said. "I will not defend any personality. Rather, I will defend the law," he added.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Broadcasting and Information who was addressing the press conference alongside Khan said some people were celebrating the special court’s verdict and hoping for a clash between the institutions. 

"The same people who can be seen rejoicing on TV screens today were the same who had taken oath from Musharraf in 2009," she said.

Firdous added it was important for everyone to realise that in the current situation, it was imperative for all institutions to be on the same page.

Awan said that Pakistan Army had rendered countless sacrifices for the country. She said that Pakistan was being appreciated around the world for its economic stability in these times.

She appreciated the Pakistan Army for supporting the civilian government.

Read also: Armed forces in 'pain and anguish' over Musharraf verdict: ISPR

‘Govt to analyse detailed verdict on Musharraf verdict before commenting’

Earlier while speaking to media, Awan had said the government will consult its legal team before commenting on a special court's decision to hand the death sentence to the former military ruler.

Awan, when asked to comment on the verdict after an event in Islamabad, remained tight-lipped, saying that "the government's legal team would first review the detailed verdict, analyse it's legal and political aspects, before presenting their viewpoint."

"The prime minister is coming back tomorrow; he will see the verdict's legal framework," she added.

It is pertinent to mention that the government, on November 24, had lodged a petition with the Islamabad High Court to stop the special court from announcing of the verdict in the case. 

Originally published in The News