Treason case: Musharraf’s counsel seeks military trial

ISLAMABAD: Former president Pervez Musharraf’s counsel, Khalid Ranjha continued his arguments over the jurisdiction of the special court constituted to hear the treason case. Ranjah has sought the transfer of Musharraf’s case to a military court citing provisions of the Army Act.

A three-member bench of the special court, headed by Justice Faisal Arab and comprising Justice Syeda Tahira Safdar and Justice Yawar Ali was hearing the case against former president Pervez Musharraf for subverting the constitution, while imposing proclamation of emergency in the country on November 3, 2007.

During his arguments, Khalid Ranjha said sections relating to high treason were included in the Army Act 1952. Ranjah added that under Article 245, the Army Act would even apply to civilians living in areas where the army had been summoned.

He contended that the special court cannot conduct a trial of either a person who is in uniform or retired, adding that it is mandatory in law that military personal could only be court martialled under the Army Act if they commit any offence.