Judges' lives are also at stake, says Musharraf’s lawyer

ISLAMABAD: Lawyer of the former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf, Ahmed Raza Kasuri said on Wednesday that even the judges face life threat if any blast occurred outside the court, Geo News reported.

A three-judge bench of the special court headed by Justice Faisal Arab was hearing the treason case against Pervez Musharraf here today.

While presenting his arguments during the hearing today, lawyer Ahmed Raza Kasuri told the court that Musharraf respects the judiciary. He was bailed in all the cases and suddenly the treason case surfaced.

While referring to the breaking news aired by Geo News today, Ahmed Kasuri said that Musharraf’s security is pertinent and if anything happened to Musharraf, the court will be blamed for it. He then mentioned the blast that had occurred outside the Iran’s Parliament that killed hundreds of people. He said that even the lives of the judges are in danger if any blast occurred outside the court.

On this, Justice Faisal Arab remarked that the courts operate during wars as well, and this court will also continue to function despite threats.

Prosecutor Akram Sheikh told the court that a letter was written to the interior secretary to safely transport Musharraf to and from the court, therefore, the government has made fool-proof arrangements. DIG Security Jan Mohammad also confirmed about the security arrangements.

Justice Faisal Arab inquired if the government has provided bomb proof vehicle to Musharraf. On this, the DIG security replied that they have bullet proof vehicle but no bomb proof car.

Justice Faisal, then, remarked that the court will issue the order for Musharraf’s security today. He further stated that accusations against Musharraf are non-bailable, however, absence from the proceedings and security are two different issues. Pervez Musharraf is not on bail yet.

It is pertinent to mention here that explosives weighing one kilogram were recovered on way from Chak Shahzad to the special court today morning before Musharraf was due to appear in the court. Bomb disposal unit was called and examined the explosive material.

The lawyer of the former president sought adjournment of the hearing of treason case for five weeks, while Musharraf didn’t appear before the special court even today for security reasons.

Musharraf’s lawyer made a plea that the federal government hasn’t made appropriate security arrangements, therefore, the hearing of the case be adjourned for five weeks.

The petition further stated that Musharraf’s November 3 action was taken as army chief and, therefore, the hearing of the treason case was beyond the jurisdiction of the special court. Pervez Musharraf could only be tried in the military court, the lawyers reiterated in their petition.