SC reiterates ‘foolproof’ security offer to Musharraf

Hearing adjourned for 15 days

The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday reiterated its 'foolproof' security offer for absconding former president Pervez Musharraf if he returns to Pakistan.

A three-member bench, presided by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar was hearing a petition pertaining to losses suffered by the country after the promulgation of the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) case in 2007.

Instructing DG Rangers to ensure the former military ruler's security, the court also ordered to de-seal Musharraf 's Chak Shahzad farmhouse upon his arrival and asked for his travel details.



Referring to the former dictator's farmhouse, the chief justice inquired from Musharraf's counsel regarding the understated value of the property after details of assets were submitted.

Justice Nisar also said that the best medical experts will examine the former president upon his return to the country.

Musharraf is also facing a treason trial on the basis of Article 6 of the Constitution.

Asking Musharraf 's counsel if the law is any different for his client, Justice Nisar said the former military ruler is spotted enjoying at parties while he has been declared an absconder from the court.

"If Musharraf is acquitted from the court in the treason case, then he can go live wherever he desires," Justice Nisar added. "We will unfreeze all his frozen properties and not even question how he acquired them."

The bench further said the former president, who took power in a bloodless coup in 1999, would be provided with an allowance if he does not have a place to stay.

"What else does Musharraf want from the court?", he remarked.

However, in an appeal to the court, Musharraf's counsel asked the court to unfreeze his client mother's pension account.



The court also asked former president Asif Ali Zardari to provide details of properties he inherited from Benazir Bhutto.

The case was then adjourned for 15 days.