Treason Case: Musharraf plea for exemption filed

ISLAMABAD: The special court constituted to try former President General (retd) Pervez Musharraf for treason resumed its hearing on Friday.

During proceedings, the former president’s counsel submitted a petition seeking exemption for Musharraf’s presence in court.

A three-member bench headed by Justice Faisal Arab is hearing the case, while Pervez Musharraf failed to appear despite the court’s summon.

Pervez Musharraf’s counsel 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.

Heavy security arrangements were made for the likely appearance of Pervez Musharraf in the court, as 1,100 security personnel were deployed along the route from the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) to the special court venue.

It may be recalled that the special court had issued Pervez Musharraf’s bailable warrant; however former president had filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against the decision, while legal experts say that Pervez Musharraf’s non-bailable warrant of arrest may be issued.