Treason case: Musharraf ordered to appear on Feb 18

ISLAMABAD: The special court constituted to hear the treason case of former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf has summoned him on February 18.

The court accepted the petition seeking Musharraf’s exemption from appearing in court during today’s proceedings. In his arguments before the court, Musharraf’s counsel Anwar Mansoor assured the court that his client would appear on February 18. "Pervez Musharraf will appear before the court after being discharged from the hospital," Anwar said.

Justice Faisal Arab remarked that a non-bailable warrant for Musharraf would be issued if he failed to appear before the court.

Earlier, Anwar Mansoor pleaded that his client’s petitions challenging the appointments of the prosecutor and judges should be taken up first, as during the entire week-long hearing at no point was this petition heard. He said that if the hearing proceeded without deciding on the petitions it would be injustice to his client.

Justice Faisal Arab intervening said proceeding in the case were deferred on three consecutive hearings, adding it is not our personal matter whatever case comes before the court it is our responsibility to hear.

The hearing of the case has been adjourned till February 10.