Pervez Musharraf treason case: Verdict to be out soon

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Supreme Court Monday directed the trial court to announce verdict in high treason case against former military ruler Pervez Musharraf if he does not appear.

The top court pronounced that the trial court was allowed to announce decision after hearing the prosecution if the former military ruler remains absent. It was further stated that no petition will be accepted to postpone the hearing.

Pervez Musharraf will get all legal rights if he appears before the court on May 2, the Supreme Court said.

Pervez Musharraf’s counsel had earlier took the stance that the former military ruler himself wanted to record statement after coming back and appearing before the court.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Asif Saeed Khosa had inquired that what will happen if Pervez Musharraf did not come back despite assurance.

The chief justice had pronounced that the apex court cannot let the accused take advantage after skipping the hearing on purpose. Action should be taken against the suspect if he does not keep his promise, the CJP said.

The treason case against Mr Musharraf started in November 2013 months after the PML-N government came to power.

Even the Supreme Court, led by incumbent CJP Khosa, had directed to conclude the trial expeditiously. However, the trial could not be concluded in the last six years due to several reasons.

The special court initially directed the federal government to include three more individuals for initiating treason charges against them.

Due to that order, the proceedings remained suspended for a couple of years. Later, the SC set aside the special court order and directed for the conclusion of the trial against Musharraf only.

In the meanwhile, the former army chief went abroad due to medical reasons. He has yet to return. Meanwhile, several judges who were part of the special court have either retired or been elevated to the apex court.

The case remained a reason for civil-military tensions during the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz)-led government. The treason case proceedings have almost halted after the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government took over.