Staff Reporter
Lahore
The Lahore High Court on Tuesday ordered the federal government to submit a record by December 10, regarding the formation of a special court which according to Musharraf’s counsel had illegally conducted the former president’s trial.
At the previous hearing, Justice Syed Mazhar Ali Akbar Naqvi questioned how former president Pervez Musharraf’s act of 2007 falls under treason.
Justice Naqvi questioned Reza Bashir – the government lawyer – as to whether he brought a record of Musharraf’s case, to which he responded that he was unable to obtain any records as the case is still pending in Islamabad High Court.
Musharraf’s counsel contended that the complaint against Musharraf was to be filed by the federal government, but instead, it was filed on the directives of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.
He also noted that the prosecution team was constituted on his direction, which was to be constituted by the federal government. He further stated that the special court was to be formed with the approval of the cabinet, but it was formed on the directives of the former prime minister. Justice Naqvi stated that an act that was done in 1999 does not fall under treason.
“How can an act carried out in October 1999 make an act on November 3, 2007 fall under treason,” asked Justice Naqvi. Musharraf’s counsel reiterated that the formation of a special court is illegal.
Justice Naqvi questioned the representatives of the interior ministry about the records. “When will the record be produced before the court?” They responded that the case is still pending in the IHC.
Petitioner Pervez Musharraf, in his petition, had made a request to the LHC to stay the trial in absentia being conducted against him until he recuperates and appears before the court. He maintained that owing to his deteriorating health, multiple life-threatening ailments and of his aged mother, he is unable to return to Pakistan ever since, despite having a strong desire to do so.
