Justice Yahya recuses himself from hearing Musharraf treason case

The CJP will now form a new bench to hear the case

ISLAMABAD: Peshawar High Court Chief Justice Yahya Afridi recused himself from hearing the treason case against former military ruler Pervez Musharraf.

Musharraf’s counsel had earlier raised objections over Justice Yahya heading the bench arguing that the judge was part of the lawyers’ movement.

The court resumed hearing on the treason case against All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) chief and after Justice Yahya's recusal, a new bench will be reconstituted by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar.

The bench, however, maintained its March 8 order to suspend Musharraf's CNIC and passport.



Despite security reassurances from the interior minister, Pervez Musharraf has declined to come back to the country.

The judiciary was expected to issue some sort of an order regarding his return.

Prosecutor Akram Shiekh is set to argue against the accused.
While on the other hand, legal analysts have labeled the security concerns laid by Musharraf’s lawyer as mere excuses to not to return to the country and will never return to the country.

The court had earlier directed the interior ministry to approach Interpol for the arrest of the former president.

This is a developing story and will be updated accordingly.