Musharraf has not surrendered despite opportunity: CJP

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Monday observed that the court had provided an opportunity to former president Gen Parvez Musharraf (retd) to surrender before it as it was requirement of the law since he had been declared a proclaimed offender in Benazir Bhutto's murder case, but he did not appear.

He was heading a three-member bench comprising Justice Khilji Arif Hussain and Justice Tariq Parvez as its other members that resumed hearing of a plea moved by Chaudhry Muhammad Aslam, a former protocol officer of Benazir Bhutto, former prime minister and co-chairperson PPP, for registration of the second FIR.

The prosecutor of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) appeared and apprised the bench that an Anti-Terrorism Court No: 1 in Rawalpindi had already issued red warrant for Musharraf besides, declaring him a proclaimed offender.

The bench in its order said that it was requirement of the law that no hearing opportunity could be provided to him as he did not opt to appear before the court.

Sheheryar Iqbal, appeared in response to the court's notice and apprised the bench that he was not representing the former president.

The CJ told him that it was a difficulty as the court had declared him a fugitive so he was not entitled for any hearing.

He hinted that the court would dispose of the matter as the FIA was pursuing the case.

The Chief Justice told him that Parvez Musharraf should have appeared before the court and surrendered in accordance with the law.

Raja Aamir Abbas, counsel for Interior Minister Rehman Malik, also appeared and requested for grant of time to prepare the case.

He apprised the bench that he was engaged last night so he required some time and said that he wanted to rebut the allegations made against his client.

The Chief Justice told Rashid A. Rizvi, counsel for the petitioner, that a limited question was involved about registration of an FIR (first investigation report) and they would not go beyond that.

He said that investigation in the case was the responsibility of the FIA and they would do it.

Further hearing was put off till April 16. (APP)