Security personnel escort the vehicle (C) carrying former president Pervez Musharraf as he arrives at a special court in Islamabad on March 31, 2014. PHOTO: AFP
RAWALPINDI/ ISLAMABAD: After months of back and forth, a special court has formally charged former president Pervez Musharraf for imposing extra-constitutional emergency in the country in 2007.
The former coup-maker appeared before the court on Monday morning against expectations – and was in a defiant mood, rejecting all charges against him in front of the three-member special bench.
The charges read out to Musharraf were the same ones put forward by the government last year – for subverting and circumventing the Constitution of Pakistan by imposing emergency on November 3, 2007 – when they had moved to form the special bench.
The treason case is being closely watched for its impact on the relationship between the military, judiciary and the government.
Speculation
Late last night, news had broken that Musharraf, the former army chief, had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC).
According to media reports, Musharraf was shifted to the AFIC’s Intensive Care Unit yesterday after his blood pressure spiked. A member of Musharraf’s team, Advocate Rana Ejaz, who was removed from the special court for his ‘contemptuous conduct’, was quoted as saying that Musharraf was shifted to the ICU.
On top of that, his legal team announced that they would boycott Monday’s proceedings – leading to speculation that Musharraf would once again be a no-show, like he had been for all but one of 35 hearings of the case.
The speculation of a no-show had created plenty of buzz given that the special court, formed to try Musharraf for treason, had summoned the former army chief today (Monday) and warned that another no-show would lead to non-bailable warrants.
The police had been ordered to arrest Musharraf and produce him before the court if he didn’t show up. In this regard, the police had also finalized plans for his arrest on Saturday.
Defiant
Musharraf is accused of treason under Article 6 for suspending, subverting and abrogating the Constitution, imposing an emergency in the country in November 2007 and detaining judges of the superior courts.
The former president appeared before the Special Court today and rejected all the charges levelled against him. "Whatever I did, I did for the country and its people. I am sad that I am being called a traitor," stated Musharraf, claiming that he made Pakistan a respectable country during his tenure.
"I honour this court and prosecution, I strongly believe in law I don't have ego problems, and I have appeared in court 16 times in this year in Karachi, Islamabad and Rawalpindi," the former president said.
Musharraf further stated, "I am being called a traitor, I have been chief of army staff for nine years and I have served this army for 45 years. I have fought two wars and it is 'treason'?"
"I am not a traitor. For me traitors are those who loot public money and empty the treasury," he added.
Did not act alone
After the hearing, chief prosecutor Akram Sheikh said Musharraf's main defence rested on the claim that he acted on the advice of then-prime minister Shaukat Aziz and the cabinet when suspending the constitution.
"He has taken the defence that he did not take these steps independently," Sheikh said.
"On this I have submitted before the court that it is now for him to prove that he did this on the advice of the prime minister and the cabinet," he added.
Security
Security measures at the Special Court were beefed up in anticipation of Musharraf’s appearance in court today, in compliance with an order issued on March 14, demanding his presence – enforced or voluntary – in the dock.
Islamabad police had covered their bases; a four-member committee was formed to escort the former president from the AFIC – where he has been admitted since January 2 – to court. Security passes were issued to a select few only and a police team was formed to arrest the retired general and bring him to court in the event that he refuses to appear voluntarily.
COMMENTS (86)
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This person deserves respect, i don't know what law has to do with corruption in pakistan, because its legalized through Democracy, so who ever stand against democracized Corruption in pakistan will be charged by Treason case ....
Finally Pakistan joins the league of civilized nations (including Turkey, Chile, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh etc) where there are no holy cows and everybody is the same in front of the law! Holy cows are sacrificed now and the doctrine of necessity is buried forever!!
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
Gen Musharraf, we are proud of you. I cannot think of anyone better than you for whom these wise words were stated by Teddy Roosevelt. You did what you had to for Pakistan. Now you are being punished for your service to our country. Shame on your detractors. May God always bless you!
The cat is finally out of the bag !!
I am glad that there are so many Pakistanis who support the Patriot and show the world that we not a redundant society. General Musharraf was the most patriotic ruler that Pakistan had after the Quaid.
@ waqas----------- coup of 1999 which is validated by parliament and supreme court....according to constitution parliament and no court has the power to validate coup...
Abrogating the constitution is the most offensive act in a democratic society. This (R) general did it twice. He used to measure the prosperity of people by the bulk of mobile phones. He has inflicted Pakistan into a war with shadows. The most corrupt people were his ministers. How come Sharpao a clean politician? Let the nature punish the wrong doer.
ET is only allowing posting most pro Musharraf comments and stopping the anti one. Claiming themselves to be the symbol of free speech and stopping what does not suit their interests I guess Indian commentators are the most welcome one. Good job ET.
Sadly some readers are missing the point. The point is not who else should be held accountable. Is it the advisers or the person who sought the advice and acted upon it? It is always the person who seeks the advice and acts upon that is in the front line. Moreover, is Pakistan a lawless country OR a country with a constitution - a constitution which shows how the country should be ruled. Either we throw the constitution in the dustbin OR we hold it dear to our heart. A constitution of Pakistan is unique in the sense it reflects the aspirations of people of Pakistan. It says that the Government is accountable to the people who elects them. Only the people have a right to over-throw the government - either at the ballot box or through demonstrations. These simple statements are not understood by some. I fail understand their logic. Suppose I don't like a constitution of a country, What do I do? Do I use force? This is exactly what General [r] Musharraf did. He should pay the price of his illegal act i.e. overthrowing a civilian government and ignoring the constitution of Pakistan. I hope I have explained my point clearly.
The only patriotic leader to lead the nation after the Quaid. What a sad day for the people of Pakistan and for the Pakistani state. A soldier who fought two wars for Pakistan, a commando who led our army, a president who took the country forward. Treason? Shame on us! History will do justice. But that will be too late. Pakistan need leaders like him today. We need a hero like him in our society today.
All my life, even though living outside, I've been most proud of being a Pakistani. And then, the most loyal Pakistani gets charged with Treason. Time for me (and for millions of people like me) to rethink!
For me Mr Musharraf is still a Delhi boy who migrated to Pakistan. I feel his pain. Pakistanis are thankless people who can not protect the honor of their former army chief. Forgetting about Indo-Pak rivalry, India should take Musharraf's side. Its better to side with a worthy enemy than a useless pretending friend like Mr Sharif.
Mr. Musharraf, the whole true people of nation with you..
@AJZ: He is not being tried for all the good things which according to your narrative he did, He has been indicted for 'TREASON' charge: This indictment also means the automatic dishonourable discharge from the military.
Rex Minor
Sweet News. Jai Hind.
Good riddance from a corrupt general who abrogated the constitution twice and was responsible for creating a fake and artificial economy through Shaukat Aziz, Lal Masjid and Bugti fiasco. With his conviction the outlook for Pakistan is good as the gap between the constitution and its application will be minimized.
Yes you did everything for the country. Here is the list of ur achievements! 1. you launched Kargil misadventure without govt approval and didnt bother to inform air force and navy. you let our soldiers die on Kargil heights without giving them air cover to cope with Indian air force carpet bombing. 2. you toppled elected govt which had constitutional right to hire and fire any general. 3. you joined war on terror but kept playing both sides and gave taliban free space in tribal area and Swat. 4.u brought Osama to Pakistan to use him as Golden egg and spoiled our country image at the global level big time. We want strong military but with zero political role and Indian Army is also under civilian country but does it make it weak? No , in fact it is world 4th largest military and military under civilian control always comes first in war, and history confirms this. Besides, holding together multi ethnic country like Pakistan without democracy is impossible and 1971 debacle is glaring example.
Could any of the General's supporters here please suggest a way out of this mess? I personally think Musharraf should blink first, and plead for a trip abroad. Enough talk about honour today; now self-preservation should take lead.
Respect and Salute to you Sir. You are a true fearless Commando of Pakistan. The most patriotic Pakistani I have ever seen. Shame on this government and its puppet courts. Let General Saab go and visit his old mother, if this government has even one gram of humanity left.
Today, was golden day in the Pakistan Histroy, when ordinary citizen like me can expect that Justice is above everything. This person -killed innocent mosque students (lal-masjid) - Killed Bughti - provided shelter to missing persons -wage afghan war on us -thrown the civilian government - Gave free hand to terrorists (NRO) and created bad image of Pakistan.. He must face justice NOW..
ET wont publish my detailed comment which I wrote previously and I find it discriminatory. I wont waste my time on a forum which I thought was neutral! It seems by atrocities which occurred with ur workers u have given in to zombies sadly
@MGA: Sold Pakistanis for dollars. So, much for the development!! Are Nawaz, Zardari, and ex CJ corrupt? May be. Try them in the court. Don't vote for them. That does not exonerate Musharraf. He is guilty, and so will be proved by time!
@MAD: Sir, your comment reminds me somewhat of Khawja Saad Rafiq who this morning passed very negative remarks against our former president and demanded that he not be allowed to travel abroad. This is hypocrisy of the highest cause this person stood respectfully before the President to take oath of office in PM Gillani's cabinet.
jub urna nahe atta tha to panga kuon lia tha
Now that the indictment has been made, it is Mission Accomplished ! Musharraf will now be allowed to fly to meet his 'ailing' mother. Don't expect him to return. Case closed.
God bless you Musharraf very sad day this nation deserve only plunder and corrupt people another bad day in the history of Pakistan.
Et please publish
He must be tried and brought to justice....otherwise the law of necessity will prevail....
God bless you Musharraf this nation deserve only plunder and corrupt people another bad day in the history of Pakistan.
Et please publish.
God bless you Musharraf this nation deserve only plunder and corrupt people another bad day in the history of Pakistan.
Et please publish
only true people understand your greatness... sir! we are praying.
Sir, you are a great man & brave leader of Pakistan . we all love you.. dont worry, Allah will help you... i believe Allah will justice...one day..
So many supporters on internet and social media, yet no political backing and base (including me - had some issues where i didn't like him)... ironical.
This case will simply expose the so called Juducial Revival and upholding of law and order in Pakistan. Dacoits fleecing Pakistan off billions of dollars are enjoying total clearance and impunity... To me these are bigger traitors and are worthy of strictest punishment.
Still to me Musharaff is much much lesser of the evils surrounding us these days.
Shame Shame SC!
There's a downside to democracy that people may manipulate popular institutions to achieve personal gains. If there were no Article 6 in the constitution Pervez Musharraf would have been the most successful ruler of this country.
@Saad: Respect for what you said.
Dear Mr.Sultan Are you Sure, its a historic moment. I am very proud to be supporter of Mr. Musharaff whose era is full of development and progress for Pakistan. He is not a looler and plunder of the Wealth belongs to Pakistani People and like sons, daughers,relative of Nawaz and his pack of looters including Iftekhar. Mr. President _ Musharaff, I salute you for your Honesty and making Pakistan Proud
Finally,,, the smoke screen created by Musharraf & his cronies is clear now. The myth that Army is behind its ex-chief is finally broken. Let the law take its course and only history will tell who was the culprit and who acted to save personal skin.
It is historic moment for the democracy* of Pakistan.
I salute President General (R) Pervez Musharraf, the greatest leader Pakistan has seen since Jinnah. Gave the concept of enlightened moderation, 8% GDP growth, massive infrastructure increment, freedom of media, etc.
Allah o akbar. Finaly.
All I can say is, Mushraff or however that is spelt was the loyal guy around for Pakistan.He mounted an attack on Kargil, to avenge the defeat in Siachen.The issue is not whether Pakistan lost the war, its about the grit and vengeance Mushraff had for the sake of his country, or atleast for the sake of his personal glory.All warriors respect other warriors.However it is also to state that every Indian Jawan that died in Kargil is personally greater than Mushraff.Why? since their lives given as Balidaan for Bharat Mata, won us the war.That doesnt take away credit from the astute General.He has also crushed the Baloch movement.Well, if you ask an Indian union strategist, whether he will crush his own people or state if rebelling ?the answer is yes.There were many Sikh soldiers who stormed the Akhal Takht in Op Bkuestar, all for the sake of a nation, which is an idea, just like a religious idea-nations too are constructs - for India its the concept of Dharma, symbolised in the Dharma Chakra, for Pak it is being Anti Hindu, or Pro Muslim - Indians lived up to that cause of Dharma, Mushraff lived up to the cause of what his nation was conceptualized for, who is to blame?non.Mushraff had certain ideas about Pakistan, whether his people and soldiers lives up to his ideas, is another thing.
Long Live Pakistan - a great day, justice is being carried out at last.
It is a historic moment for the history of Pakistan. The arguments in favor of Musharraf usually lack in logic or analogical at best. Aiders andabettors not being tries does not vindicate the dictator sb. Similarly, his predecessors the fact were never tried also fails to exonerate him.In fact it makes it all more important to set the precedent. Did he do a great job? Even if he did, it was NOT his job.
@Saad Siddiqui: And the wrong way as well.
@Mohammad: Army Chief role is to protect country from foreign invasion or bring order inside the country if the command is given by the ruling party. In a democratic country the only method to come to power is through election. Any other method of capturing power is undemocratic and it is dangerous to the country. Mushraf the Army Chief captured the power by over through the elected government and its amounts to treason. He should be punished for treason with out wasting time .This will give the message to Pakistan Army about military coup and its implications.
@Ahmed
He doesn't need to bring his kids. 8 years is a lot for looting. Its probably the first time you will hear a General having a net worth of $ 1 Billion and properties in London and Dubai
I don't see why Musharaf's ailing mother can't be air lifted in an ambulance plain to Pakistan, instead him fleeing away from justice.
There is a thing called constitution and nobody is above that musharaf imposed emergency which is extra constitutional act and he didnt validated it by parliament and supreme court unlike the coup of 1999 which is validated by parliament and supreme court.
@waqas:
Hi hopes....this country is always on the edge of being taken over by the Army due to the inept rule by the politicians......it is just a matter of time & it can happen anyday...insha Allah.
Finally, government got benefits of investing in young doctors association. Musharraf who was shifted to the AFIC’s Intensive Care Unit last night; appeared before the court today morning.
Musharraf : A victim of doing the right things for wrong people "JiyeMusharraf "
If supporting a dictator and endorsing military rule, martial law, coups etc. is an indicator of moral integrity than I am glad to announce that I am extremely immoral. May Allah save me from ever having such moral character by which I would endorse an illegal act.
He has humiliated himself and his parent organisation enough...........this episode should be closed as soon as possible.
@waqas: How civilian supremacy bro...? 1. We can't punish the culprits of Joseph Colony (You must read newspaper I guess.) 2. Killers of Pakistanis are our stakeholders (Taalibaans) 3. LeJ leader was released few days ago from jail in Punjab and few weeks ago he was declared as global terrorist. 4. All banned outfits have safe sanctuaries (Mostly in Punjab) who kill and than claim responsibility for the blood of our innocent civilians on the name of faith and other reasons. 5. HOW ITS BEGINNING OF NEW ERA CAN YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN?????
Great, we wanted to look this great man fighting like a lion and indeed he proved that he is a lion. His defiant mood shows he will stand by his words and will unmasked these fraud rulers and so called politicians. Lets see ahead how court ignores others who helped and supported all along his tenure. After all justice seems to be done. Best wishes for this courageous and brave man.
@ Faisal Khan the big problem here here in Pakistan
building 5 bridges + 3 roads, $ remains 60= sooo much things done.
if soo much things are being done in every tenure then why the country is in disarray.
Long live Musharaff, a brave solider, a true patriot firmly believing in Pakistan First. Like Z A Bhutto , he is ready to face all the allegations as his consicous is clean and clear, what ever he did, it was in the best intrest of the country. What ever the out come of the case, the name of Gen.Musharaff will be written in golden words.Hats off for Ch.Shujat, Jaweed Jabar andMQM for openly coming forward and extending a hand of support to the Ex.President, Army Chief and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff committee. Thanks Gen. Musharaff for raising the status of Pakistan, thanks for providing the free media, thanks for introducing democracy at the grass roots, thanks for industrilization, thanks for crubing the culture of VVIPs, thanks for being Presdint of Pakistan and taking a bold stance at all international fourms, you are a born great, and your name will go in history with the people of integerity, honor and greatness. Thanks for bravely fighting wars for Pakistan, we Pakistanis are proud of our armed forces and their commanders. Thanks for steering the ship of Pakistan in rough seas smoothly.
NS & Co. should recall the time when they ran to the Holy land and later had the audacity to deny any existence of any agreement until the Saudi Intelligence Chief came in person and waved the signed paper for all to see. This drama by NS is to settle his personal score with Gen.Musharraf and at the same time send a message to the Army so that he can run the country like his business empire.
Again double standards. In case of NLC, the 3 retired General were taken back into Army to face charges under Army Act, instead of criminal laws. Why same principle not applied in case of a full General?
Musharraf must be hanged BUT not before.. 1. killers of 50,000+ Pakistanis are brought to justice. 2. Masterminds of the Joseph colony incident indictment. 3. Justice delivers to the families of Slaman taseer and Yousuf Raza Gilani AND 4. Those who killed minorities must be hanged. Only after that NS and his kitchen cabinet think about punishing musharraf OTHERWISE it would be revenge only.... N.B. No effort should be made to save Iftikhaar Chaudhry or his MOST CORRUPT son and if he is not corrupt than we all Pakistanis must know the formula for becoming millionaire from Unemployed in 2009 to MILLIONAIRE in 2012.
Kangaroo Courts ...
Former Army Chief fought two wars for his country, served 45years in Army, took Pakistan up in economy and world.. About Rising economy of Pakistan in 2005, China said that We got economic competitor in Asia.. This is what Musharraf done.. only one who dismissed out from election out of 26000 canditates by Faisal Arab, just because of Iftikhaar's judiciary.. rest of 25,999 canditates were true, saadiq and ameen. :D .. hateness at its peak.. We love you Musharraf..
It's a sad, very sad day in the history of this unfortunate country where things tend to get from bad to worse and nothing can get crazier than this, an honorable man like Prersident Mushraaf who served this country all his life is humiliated in this manner and indicted for treason, and in-fact already condemned by his adversaries through a well orchestrated malicious campaign by some bought out groups in the so called 'free media'. People of Pakistan must ask today if this is how we thank our benefactors, if this is a reward for the sacrifices and services of a soldier who stands all his life in the harms way so that we all, each and every one from small time traders to those who have done nothing more than self-aggrandizement and are champions of plutocracy and support the the looters, plunderers and the thugs here. I know for sure that I am never going to ever go for any services either in or without uniforms.
It's the beginning of a new era, where nowcivilian supremacy will persist only.
No more coup by military in future.
Good move by judiciary and government.
@Faisal Khan: Wasn't he the one who issued NRO to all the looters in the first place? He is indirectly responsible for 5 year zardaristan and now nawaz rule
Love Musharraf Always !
Lucky Musharraff , at Least he was not charged with the Murder of Benazir Bhutto Only Treason Charges which in itself is weird Charge for an EX- Military Commander of Pakistan Army , this charge simply means all of Military Commanders of the Pakistan Army are treasonous !
@Raj - USA: Your comment is pointless, malodorous, and foolish. Please be concerned with what goes on in your country of residence not outside its borders. Thanx and Salams
Now I could believe that our judiciary is independent.
In a system where politics and government is nothing but looting and plundering, those who dare to do some goodness for country and people shall be hanged for intervening. Who in this country doesn't know what Sharif and Zardar has stolen from us poor, but nobody will ever get a hand to them, because they are democratically licensed for doing, what they are doing.
If Musharraf is allowed to visit his mother who is in ICU in a hospital in Dubai, it may be the first time anywhere in the world that a person who has been in ICU for months shall be leaving the hospital and traveling to visit another person in ICU in another country.
Claiming to have masses support; sitting in the parliament (all three houses); yet so vociferously supporting a dictator. What a story; what a position to take; don't know how historian would describe it. bhooooooo !!!!!!!!!
Musharraf is being trialed for treason for taking actions in the best interest of Pakistan. While TTP and Talibans who don't even recognize Pakistan's constitution are being invited into luncheon in air conditioned rooms
@MAD: Really? When did this happen? How do you know? Do share,
He was legal president then when imposed emegency. He could get such decision as we assuming generally. In such case how could it treason. He had acted high treason on the day when he dismissed elected PM and arrested him on 12 Octomber. But that all action had been lagimated by SC and NA. Now we are making snake out of robe.
How strange, the man who fought for country twice, the man who lifted country's economy from destruction has been indicted today in what they called "treason case", He had some negatives during his regime but he is the most loyal ruler Pakistan ever had.
One more thing to ponder: We see Bilawal, hamza Shahbaz, Marium Nawaz, Monis Elahi, Amir Hoti, Ali Mosa Gilani in our Politics, Have u ever seen Musharraf's son or his daughter???
Politicians think that this Pakistan belongs to their children. I don't blame them, I blame my self and the whole nation.
If there is any party stand tall among all - that's MQM and yes I am a Punjabi from Lahore.
So its final now. MQM's new Quaid-e-Tehreek will be Janab General (R) Pervaiz Musharraf Bhai.
All you were telling him coward and running away from LAW! Slap on your face by yourself.
I wish Musharraf get his name clear and get out of Pakistan... leave everyone on their and politician's fate. Seems like everyone is enjoying the fruits of since last 7 years of Democracy.