Supreme Court issues notices to Musharraf, Federation

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued notices to former President General (retd) Pervez Musharraf, Federation and all other parties in the high profile treason case. The former president has been directed to appear in person or thorough his counsel before the court on Tuesday.

During proceedings of the treason case against Musharraf, the Supreme Court directed the Interior Secretary to ensure that the former president does not leave the country. The apex court has also summoned a report from the Interior Secretary regarding the name of Musharraf being placed on the Exit Control List.

Earlier, 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.

The hearing of the case has been adjourned till April 9.