BHC issues arrest warrants for Musharraf in Bugti murder case

A review petition against the former president's acquittal was filed in the high court

QUETTA: The Balochistan High Court (BHC) issued on Monday arrest warrants for former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf in Nawab Akbar Bugti murder case.

The verdict was announced following after a review petition challenging the acquittal of the former president by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) was filed in the court.

During the court proceedings, Musharraf’s counsel requested the court to exempt his client from appearing in the court because of 'security reasons'; however, the petitioner’s counsel complained that despite repeated orders the ex-president failed to appear before the court.



Meanwhile, the court also ordered the officials concerned to provide security to the president during his court appearance.

Bugti, the Jamhoori Wattan Party chief, was killed along with his 26 comrades during an operation in the mountains of Dera Bugti in August 2006. The Bugti family charged Musharraf with the murder who, it says, had ordered the military operation.

The Bugti murder FIR was registered under Sections 302 and 304 of the Pakistan Penal Code against Musharraf and others in 2009. The case remained dormant until 2011 when the Bugti family moved the Balochistan High Court (BHC) against the lack of progress. Subsequently, the ATC was directed to take up the case.