SC resumes hearing of treason petitions against Musharaf today

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan would resume hearing of identical petitions praying to prosecute former military ruler General (retd) Pervez Musharraf under article 6 of the constitution read with the High Treason (punishment) Act of 1973 today (Tuesday).

On Monday, the interim government submitted its reply to a three-member bench of the apex court, refusing to proceed against Musharraf under treason charges.

In a reply, the caretaker government argued that it was constitutionally bound to transfer power to the elected representatives immediately after elections and for that it should avoid any controversial step which is not reversible by the incoming elected government.

The reply further contended that the present government is heavily preoccupied in the management of law and order and coordination with the police, law enforcement agencies, armed forces for the security of over 20,000 candidates. He said there are only 20 days left with the present set-up to finalise all arrangements for conducting elections, saying there is no urgency in the treason matter against Musharraf.

Justice Jawwad S Khawaja expressed dismay over the federation’s response to the caretaker government reply and remarked that it is not right to say that the interim government should confine its activities to the day-to-day affairs of the federation.

During the proceedings, the counsel for Pervez Musharraf, including Ahmed Raza Kasuri, Raja Ibrahim Satti and Qamar Afzal, prayed to the bench that they should be given permission to see their client, and he should be examined through CMH so that his health issues could be taken care of.

Later, the bench issued directives to the authorities concerned through a short order to allow them to meet with Pervez Musharraf.