Musharraf treason case: SC says violators of constitution would be tried under Article 6

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan is hearing the treason petition against former President General (retd) Pervez Musharraf.

During proceedings, Justice Jawwad S Khawaja inquired as to which court would hear the treason case against Musharraf. Justice Khilji Arif remarked that the constitution clearly states that those who violate it must be tried under article 6.

The counsel of petitioner Maulvi Iqbal Haider, AK Dogar argued that Pervez Musharraf had imposed emergency and he should be tried under article 6 of the constitution. He added that according to the 31 July judgment, Musharraf violated the constitution and action should be taken against him. According to Dogar the federation had not taken any steps to initiate action against Musharraf.

Justice Khawaja remarked that a notice would be issued to find out the motive of the federation. He further said that it was the responsibility of the court to ensure the requirements of justice were being fulfilled.
AK Dogar said that a notice had been issued to Pervez Musharraf during proceedings of the case against the imposition of the November 9 emergency.

Meanwhile the counsel of Lahore High Court Bar Association President Taufiq Asif, Hamid Khan argued that according to the 1973 treason law, the federal government had to designate someone for the trial. On January 23, 2012 the Senate approved a resolution that Musharraf should be arrested upon his return to Pakistan. He added that despite the courts order and Senate resolution the former president had not been arrested.